This human-interest article highlights how access to safe drinking water is transforming lives in the Bambo and Kibirizi Health Zones of North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It showcases the impact of a World Vision WASH project, funded by the U.S. Department of State, in improving access to clean water, promoting hygiene and sanitation practices, and reducing waterborne diseases. Through the voices of community members, children, parents, and health officials, the story illustrates tangible improvements in health, school attendance, personal hygiene, and community well-being. It also demonstrates how behavioural change, combined with sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure, is fostering healthier and more resilient communities. While celebrating the project's achievements, the article underscores the continued need to expand water and sanitation services so that every family can benefit from safe, reliable access to clean water.

Beyond generating income, these activities are creating opportunities for women to support their families, participate in household decision-making, and rebuild their lives.

William, a father of eight from Ntompo in Kasaï Central, is challenging traditional gender roles around childcare and nutrition. Through a KOICA-funded project implemented by World Vision in partnership with WFP, he learned about positive masculinity and the importance of shared responsibility for family well-being. Today, William works alongside his wife in their family garden, helps make decisions about their children’s meals and supports their health and nutrition. His story shows how engaging men can strengthen families, improve children’s diets and inspire lasting behavioural change within communities.

From uncertainty to leadership, Kongmee's journey through World Vision's D2D Youth Activity helped her discover her dreams, confidence, and purpose.

At EP Gihango Primary School, the WASH and Nutrition Club is empowering children to become leaders in the fight against malnutrition. Through lessons on hygiene, nutrition, and healthy living, students are improving practices at school, inspiring healthier habits at home, and even supporting vulnerable classmates. When Violette struggled to access school meals, club members mobilized their parents to raise funds for her and seven other children, demonstrating remarkable compassion and leadership. Supported by World Vision Rwanda's ENOUGH Campaign and partners, the club is proving that children can be powerful agents of change, helping create healthier families, stronger communities, and a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

This World Humanitarian Day, discover how local leaders and humanitarian workers in Haiti restore dignity, hope and opportunity for children.

In Afghanistan, hope is not optimism but faithfulness. Read how families and aid workers persevere through drought, uncertainty and crisis.

Discover how, in Kajiado County, John Silamoi is restoring degraded land through FMNR, reviving trees, improving pasture, and helping communities build resilience.

In Kajiado County, Sharon transformed her overgrown farm through FMNR and savings training, improving food security, income, and her family's future.

As the Emergency Response to WASH, Protection and Livelihood Needs of IDPs and Host Communities in North Kivu project comes to an end, its impact continues to live on through the people and communities it transformed. Through the voices of mothers, children, community volunteers, facilitators, mentors, and local leaders, this article highlights how Child-Friendly Spaces and Safe Spaces restored hope, strengthened protection systems, and empowered communities to safeguard children and survivors of gender-based violence. It demonstrates that while humanitarian projects may have a defined lifespan, the knowledge, resilience, and commitment they leave behind create a lasting legacy that continues to protect vulnerable families long after project activities have ended.