The simple
bottle became a distinct part of her childhood,
symbolizing the ever-present need for water that
strained her family’s resources and the health of
her community.
“My life before participating in FH programs
was very difficult,” Juana remembers, “especially
because in my home we did not have enough
water, which cost us a lot.”
The nearest water was available for sale in a
market several kilometres away, making water
an added expense which Juana’s family didn’t
always have enough money to buy.
“I remember when I was in Grade 2,” she recalls,
“my teacher asked us to bring a bottle of water
to school so we could wash our hands and teeth.
The lack of water in my community affected us
everyday because we had to get up very early to
go to the store and my mother had to save the
little water she had.”
Today, Juana is in Grade 7, and the water bottle
has faded to a memory—a memory she carries
with her as a reminder of how her community has
grown.
“I no longer have to carry my water bottle,
because now thanks to the water system, every
day in the community we have water. The
children are already enjoying this benefit and will
no longer have to carry their water bottle as I
once did. I am very grateful that now we can use
water at all times.”
For Juana’s family, access to water has not only
cut household costs, but improved their crops
and family income, meaning Juana can eat
nutritious food and buy school supplies. These
changes will help Juana as she works toward
her dream of studying medicine and becoming a
doctor to support her family and community.
“I feel very happy,” she smiles, “to see the
beautiful changes in my life and in my community
through all the activities that FH has carried out
for the families of Xonca!”