Clean and safe water changes a child's life

Amos’ enthusiasm is contagious.

The 11-year-old is a sponsored child in Grade 6 in the Menkao Area Program,* Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is concerned about water and the promise it holds for his community. With World Vision’s support, a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) project has improved health and well-being in his village. It's a fitting capstone for World Water Day on March 22.

“I’m excited about what’s going on in my community through World Vision,” he says. “People in the community visit me to see how I’m doing, and whether I’ve been to school. What a great love for others! This drives me to be as considerate of others—not only in my family, but wherever I find myself.”

It wasn’t long ago that Amos experienced stomach aches and vomiting caused by the community’s unclean and contaminated water supply. The Menkao WASH project helped him and his community make the connection between access to safe water, hygiene and improved health.

“It was through our school hygiene club, supported by World Vision, that I learned how to treat water, do environmental sanitation, practice personal hygiene and the five critical moments for handwashing,” explains Amos. “It helps me to avoid waterborne illness and to be in good health, and I’ve noticed a big change in my life as a result of these good hygiene habits.”

Because of the project, 15,005 people have access to safe drinking water, 13 sanitation facilities have been built or improved and 44 protected water sources have been built, rehabilitated or improved.

Illness due to contaminated water remains an occasional issue due to inconsistent access to water treatment supplies. Nevertheless, Amos is relieved that he, his five siblings and his parents are involved in building a healthier community. “My strength lies with my parents; their presence encourages me to go forward.

“It’s my parents who influence me to love studies to distinguish myself from the other [students]. They always give me the example of a cousin who studied a lot; he is now a lawyer. They tell me that studies can [allow me] to open up to the world and be more [successful] than they are.”

Becoming a lawyer is not for Amos, though. In keeping with his passion, he plans to be a doctor. “I’m often inspired by doctors, what they do to help people recover their health,” he says. “It’s my dream to become a doctor, too.”

*NOTE: This story is adapted from the original, which appeared in World Vision Canada's 2024 Annual Results Report.