DR Congo: The Water Provided in Karawa Saves a Family from Recurring Illnesses
By Didier Nagifi, Communications Officer
In Karawa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Josué, a 10-year-old boy, and his grandmother, Sancour, faced a serious daily challenge: access to drinking water. To collect water, Josué had to travel long distances, risking illness and frequently missing school. His grandmother, on the other hand, spent her savings on medical care, which prevented her from financing Josué's education. Despite Sancour's devotion to her grandson, their daily life was difficult due to the lack of clean water in their community.
But thanks to World Vision's innovative Chosen sponsorship program, a well was dug, providing clean drinking water to over 2,800 people in the region. Today, Josué is healthy, attends school regularly, and dreams of becoming a minister. His grandmother, relieved, knows that her grandson's future is now much brighter.
"Thank you to my sponsor and World Vision for this gift of life," says Josué. Clean water changes lives—and many children still need this opportunity.
Every day, Josué and other children were forced to travel long distances to fetch water, often from unhygienic sources. This led to hours of waiting, often accompanied by tensions between villagers. For Josué, this situation meant extreme fatigue, school delays, and, most importantly, recurring illnesses.
The water they brought home was neither clean nor safe. Josué frequently suffered from diarrhea, intestinal infections, and persistent weakness, which kept him from focusing on his studies.
"Every week, I had to go to the hospital because of abdominal pain," he recalls sadly.
His grandmother, Sancour, who sold small products at the market to make ends meet, saw her savings dwindle on medical expenses instead of being invested in Josué's education and nutrition. "I was worried about him. How could he grow and succeed if even water was a danger to his health?" she shares.
One day, Josué's life changed thanks to World Vision's Chosen program. This groundbreaking initiative allows children to choose their sponsor, unlike the traditional model where donors select the children. Thanks to this initiative and World Vision's commitment, a well was drilled in Karawa, and a water supply system was installed, providing clean water to over 2,800 people in the village.
Today, Josué no longer has to walk miles to fetch water. He drinks clean water, takes a shower every morning, and arrives at school on time. His body, once weakened by illness, is now strong, and he can focus on his studies. "I love French lesson, and I dream of becoming a minister," he says with a confident smile.
His grandmother, now relieved, can use her savings to pay for Josué's education and meet their needs.
"This water has changed our daily life. We no longer get sick, and Josué now has a future ahead of him," she expresses with gratitude.
Josué's story is one of thousands of children whose future has been transformed thanks to access to clean drinking water. Today, over 2,800 people in Karawa benefit from this life-changing improvement.
"Thank you to my sponsor and World Vision for this gift of life. I hope that other children will have the chance to choose their sponsor and see their lives transformed," Josué concludes with hope.
Providing water is giving a future. Many children are still waiting for this opportunity. With your support, we can continue to change lives.