From river to tap: A new chapter of hope in Ishasha
In Ishasha, DRC, a new clean water system has replaced unsafe river water for over 1,300 people, including 14-year-old Nadège. Through World Vision’s Raw Hope initiative, the community now has access to safe drinking water, along with support for farming
Written by Ana Tong
on June 12, 2025
Just months ago, Nadège, then 14, was bathing in the Kasoso River with her friends—then filling buckets of that same river water to carry home. It was the only source of water for her and over 10,000 others in Ishasha, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This daily routine carried risk, especially for children: exposure to disease, poor sanitation, and long treks on unsafe paths.
Today, Nadège stands at a tap in her village and drinks clean water.
The change is real and it’s here.
On 10 April 2024 in Munyaga, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a construction crew digging to find the underground springs that will serve the communities of Ishasha. World Vision has launched an ambitious project in Ishasha, a health ar
April 2024: A daily struggle
When a World Vision team met Nadège in early 2024, her story reflected the urgent need across Ishasha. Conflict and instability had long made this region difficult to reach. Despite many humanitarian organizations passing through, few had been able to bring lasting solutions—especially for something as critical as safe water.
In response to the critical need, World Vision launched a drinking water supply project through Raw Hope (also known as Childhood Rescue). It was an ambitious effort in a hard-to-reach place, where the need was great and the costs high.
In our original article, “ Long-awaited access to clean water is nearly here! ”, we shared the early stages of this journey when construction had just begun, and hope was beginning to rise.
August 2024: A fresh source of life
As of August 29, 2024, Ishasha has a new well, and a reliable, clean water supply is in place.
Thanks to the collaboration between World Vision, qualified engineers, and dedicated community volunteers, more than 1,300 people now have access to clean drinking water. It’s a victory not just of infrastructure—but of dignity, health, and hope.
Where Nadège once relied on the Kasoso River, she now turns on a tap.
On 15 April 2024 in Ishasha, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nadège, 15, collects water from the Kasoso river, the main source of water in the village. Since she was born, Nadège, like all the other inhabitants of her village has use t
Still transforming lives
Clean water is only one part of the change happening across the DRC. Through Raw Hope, additional projects are tackling root causes of hunger and malnutrition. Women’s care groups are learning sustainable farming practices and raising livestock, empowered with tools, seeds, and even guinea pigs for food and income. Three new storage facilities are helping families preserve harvests and build resilience.
These programs work together to help children grow up healthy, safe, and full of promise, even in places marked by instability and crisis.
On 29 August 2024 in Ishasha, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nadège, 14, drinks water from a tap. Early in 2024, a World Vision team came across Nadège as she was taking a bath in the Kasoso river with her friends, before filling
A story worth sharing
The transformation from river water to a functioning tap is a powerful reminder of what’s possible some of in the world’s hardest places.
Stories like Nadège’s show how compassion, partnership, and long-term commitment can lead to real and lasting change. As we continue working in fragile contexts like the DRC, we invite you to stay engaged and continue to stand with children and families facing the toughest challenges.