Our strength, dignity & future are being reborn

“I am Lassane, 27 years old. Housewife and mother of three girls and two boys, my children bring every day bursts of laughter and grimaces that light up my daily life. Being a mother is a great responsibility for me.

I would never have imagined that I would live a life marked by the difficulties of access to drinking water. When I arrived in the village, the only hand pump near our home was broken and no longer worked.

Over time, I discovered the reality of a mother in search of drinking water. I would get up very early, before sunrise, to walk long distances, carrying a basin on my head, sometimes with a child on my back and another to hold by the hand, in order to return home with a few litres of water. This situation forced some days to choose between washing dishes, washing the children or preparing the meal before fetching water.

Fatigue was then mainly mental, as daily organisation required immense energy and had a negative impact on our well-being.

 I still remember the hope mixed with uncertainty when we were told that the pump would be repaired thanks to the support of THP-Benin.

 

You had to be present that day to understand the emotion that animated everyone: cries of joy, applause from women, jumps from children and, for some men, discreet tears.

Since then, the relief has been total, especially for the women: my children can now go to school on time because water is available nearby and I can prepare meals earlier. Now I can start my household chores earlier and find some time for myself, which was almost inconceivable before.

In my neighbourhood, daily fatigue has been transformed into energy for entrepreneurship. Some young people use this time saved to do small jobs, and women collaborate more with each other: we meet near the pump, not to suffer, but to exchange, laugh and help each other.

This repaired pump is not just a simple work; for me, this is proof that change is possible, even if it takes time.

It also represents the regained dignity, because access to drinking water is not a luxury but a necessity to live well, dream and move forward.

Like all other women, I am reassured and proud to see that the life of my household is improving in a short time thanks to this repair.

For twelve years we have walked to find water; today, clean water is close to us, and it is our strength, dignity and future that are being reborn.

I would like to sincerely thank the Epicentre of Bouanri, because by repairing this pump, THP-Benin has not only repaired a metal: it has gathered and repaired pieces of our hopes for a better daily life.”

 

Water First was developed by the Petre Foundation, and is delivered by The Hunger Project in partnership with the Foundation, and the Water First Friends Group. The Hunger Project is grateful for the generous investment of the Water First Friends Group.