Seven Safe Water September challenge takers embarked on a life-changing journey to Zimbabwe in May. Driven by the profound impact of Safe Water September in rural villages, the team was eager to witness it firsthand.
Global Mission Partners’ National NextGen Lead, Mitch Salmon, organised the Discovery Visit. Mitch travelled with Caleb, Rachel, Suzie, Sienna, Melinda, and Violet to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to see firsthand the impact that supporters like you have on people’s lives through safe water!
The team met with our relief and development partner, Showers of Blessing members Boniface and Ntando and visited the rural communities around Zvishavane, where Showers of Blessing works.
Zimbabwe has been in the grip of a terrible drought for many years, and it seems to be getting worse due to climate change. Mitch reported, “We passed field after field of failed crops. A lack of water meant the maize never flourished, and the families relying on those fields will have to find other ways to make ends meet this season.”
However, in the areas where bores have been installed, there is a tangible sense of joy, excitement, and hope that is truly uplifting!
The group visited Gwemvurchena village, where the people used to walk to collect water from a river contaminated with cyanide and asbestos from mining activities. Since installing solar-powered bore and water tanks, the community has planted an incredible community garden. In one of the driest parts of a country wracked by drought, there’s an oasis of green growing because of the support of people like you!
Rachel, one of the Discovery Visit team members from Victoria, shared that she has 18 taps in her house. “When I turn on a tap, I have as much clean water as I want,” she said. When Rachel met the people in the villages and saw their daily struggle for water, she began to understand their challenges more deeply.
“I saw how women had to spend hours each day carrying water. I heard how there is conflict between neighbours. I heard about contamination by mining, cattle, and human waste. And I also saw how determined people are to provide for their families and to find a way out of poverty.” Rachel shared.
Mitch felt the difference it makes, “We met so many people excited about the ways their lives and communities have been transformed since the installation of a borehole nearby.”
The report from Zimbabwe is positive, but there’s still much more to do!
The Safe Water September challenge wants to bring this life-changing impact of water projects to more communities in Zimbabwe, Vanuatu, and Bangladesh.
Taking the Safe Water September challenge is one way Rachel knows she can help. “The global lack of access to safe water is a HUGE problem, but it is no longer overwhelming. I know exactly where to start and how I can make a difference,” she explains. Rachel has seen the difference that one borehole makes to hundreds of people’s lives.
But Safe Water September needs your help, too! You can make a difference by taking the Safe Water September challenge this year or by donating to those like Rachel who are taking it up.
Mitch says, “We will share reflections from the Safe Water September squaddies who travelled to Zimbabwe throughout August and September.”
Sign up to Safe Water September or donate now!
Showers of Blessing Trust's (OSBT) project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
