A Dream of a Child Fades with Every Step to Contaminated Water

Claudina, a 12-year-old living with her two siblings and her parents in the rural district of Murrupula, in Mozambique’s most populated province of Nampula, lives a life of daily testament to resilience and hope amidst adversity.

Every day, Claudina embarks on a 25-minute walk to fetch water for her family, from puddles gathered on the riverbank. This unsafe water, especially dangerous during the rainy season, often leaves Claudina with painful stomach cramps and debilitating illnesses.
 

Despite the adversity, Claudina's voice brims with determination as she declares, "I love going to school!"  The excitement of starting grade 5 in February 2025 shines in her eyes as she contemplates her dream of becoming a teacher.

But a shadow of worry crosses her face as she adds, "Every year around this time, I get so tired and sick. I often miss classes, and my grades suffer. I'm worried it will keep me from achieving my dream of becoming a teacher."

Dr. Regina Lino, the local health facility manager, confirmed Claudina's fears. "Unsafe water consumption, particularly during the rainy season, can lead to diarrheal diseases," she explains. Despite health authorities' efforts to educate communities about boiling water, the lack of safe water sources remains a critical challenge.

Sadly, Claudina's community is not alone. Simplicio Roseiro, World Vision's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Coordinator, reveals a stark reality. "The district's current water coverage is only 55%," he says, far below what's needed. With public infrastructure authorities facing budget constraints, there's no immediate solution in sight.

But there is hope. World Vision is committed to providing clean water and sanitation to vulnerable communities like Claudina's. By investing in boreholes, water supply systems, and hygiene education, we can help Claudina and her friends stay healthy, stay in school, and pursue their dreams.

World Vision in partnership with UNICEF recently implemented a short-term project in Nampula aimed among other fight cholera outbreak and educate the community with techniques to promote the consumption of clean water to avoid diseases by calling for intense hygiene of water, foods and hands.

Every 25-minute walk Claudina takes for water is a reminder of a dream at risk. Join us in changing this reality. Your generous donation can help bring clean water and a brighter future to children in Murrupula. Together, we can ensure that Claudina's dream does not become another casualty of the water crisis