Catherine (right) collects clean water

We felt like we were on an island of large flat sheets of rock, separated from the rest of the villages by huge gullies and cliffs. Our driver meandered gently over the bouncy road to Koiserat village in the Bartabwa area program. There are two levels to this region: the high and the lowlands. Koiserat is the end of the highland. It’s a flat rocky expanse, just before the drop to the expansive Kerio Valley. One does not need to be told that water is a challenge here because it is clear from a quick look at the area. We are welcomed by Catherine Toroitich. She starts narrating the challenges she endured for many years.

Irene washing her son's face

We are greeted by two young mothers, as we inspect a borehole site and it’s imposing solar panel roof. Its size makes it a unique site in the hilly landscape. From here one can see the seasonal Wethanga River just about a quarter mile below. We can even see the homes across the river that have no access to clean and safe water. But the World Vision Area Development Program is planning a pipeline across the seasonal river to serve the other villages. The young mothers, Irene (30) and Janet (31), look relaxed. They are going to pick some pumpkins from Janet’s field. They are relaxed because they are no longer tired from the toils of fetching water from the Wethanga River and hauling it up the hill to their homes, about 3km away.  

In celebration of World Water Day, we’re sharing some of the ways that World Vision provides clean water. We currently reach one new person with clean water every 10 seconds. In doing so, our actual work varies depending on the needs of the community and the type of water that’s available. We also always work to empower communities to take ownership of the water systems which helps ensure that the water we provide is sustained long after we’ve left. Here are five examples of our work:

After 20 years, a circumciser in Kenya laid down her tools—a knife and a razor blade. World Vision helps girls, boys, and communities to stand against the dangerous, damaging practice of Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting. (©2000 World Vision/photo by Winnie Ogana)

Each year, more than 3 million girls are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C). February 6, the United Nations’ International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, is a time to bring this serious issue to light.

Girls’ rights are violated and their potential crushed when they are subjected to FGM/C and have their external genitalia cut. Best estimates are that 200 million women and girls alive today have suffered FGM/C. There is no medical reason for this traditional practice, and no benefit for the girl. Girls who have been cut often experience life-long dire effects, such as pain, infections, bleeding, difficult childbirth, and incontinence.