
Well of hope: Athiong Magar Magar stands near the well surrounded by plants
A rehabilitated water well has also given the community a renewed sense of purpose
“Through the water we got vegetables. Through the vegetables we got money. We can afford our own things!” says Athiong Magar Magar standing in the shade of a beautiful tree. “ We have power now. Men will not control us.”
The elderly patriarch Aker Majok Wol nods his head in agreement: “They can buy their own shoes now!” He laughs and throws a cautious glance at Athiong.
The lives of Athiong, Aker and their community members have changed significantly since a well was rehabilitated, by ForAfrika and the World Food Programme, in their rural village in South Sudan.
Well of benefits
Since having a clean source of water, they have been able to plant vegetables all year round and their diets have improved. They have clean water to drink, cook and bathe and the livestock are also able to drink from the overflow.
“The women don’t have to walk far to get water anymore,” Aker says. “Nor do the children.”
In many African communities, fetching water is a time-consuming task that is also a gender issue – putting women and young girls at risk of attack or missing out on school.
Aker says that the well has given the community much to celebrate and has motivated them in their livelihood efforts.
“It is important to know that when you do work with your own heart and your own hands, you are powerful. You will not find us sleeping; you will find us doing something.”
He says that his community is already planning for the next season.
“We are breaking soil, we are getting ready for planting,” he says. “The area is big, we can expand and then everyone can get something.”