In the heart of Salayish Kebele, within Segno Gebeya Subcity in Dessie city, 10-year-old Sitina begins each day with one unwavering dream: to become a doctor and bring healing to others. However, for Sitina, this dream has always seemed distant. Before dawn, she embarks on a long, exhausting journey that drains her physically and emotionally.
Each day, Sitina walks for over an hour to fetch water from a distant and unreliable source. The heavy jerry cans on her small frame tire her out, and by the time she arrives at school, she struggles to focus on her lessons. “I feel so tired,” she recalls. “I walk for hours, then try to study, but all I can think about is how exhausted I am. Sometimes, I just want to sit and rest.”
The challenge of fetching water goes beyond the physical exhaustion; it’s the constant worry. The water she carries is often polluted, putting Sitina and her family at risk of waterborne diseases. Every trip to fetch water is not only physically demanding but also a daily health risk.
Then, everything changes. Thanks to World Vision, a new water source is available just a short distance from her home, providing clean, safe water. No longer does she have to walk for hours; now she gathers water in just 15 minutes with a small jerry can.
“The change is amazing,” Sitina says with a bright smile. “Now, I can go to school on time, and I don’t have to worry about carrying water all day. The water is clean, and I know it’s safe for my family to drink.”
With the burden of water-fetching lifted, Sitina now has the time and energy to focus on her studies. No longer distracted by exhaustion, she attends school with a renewed sense of purpose. Her dream of becoming a doctor, once distant and uncertain, is now within reach. “Now, I can study hard,” she says. “I know that with clean water, I have the chance to become a doctor.”
Sitina’s story reflects how access to clean water can transform lives. It’s not just about the water, it’s about the opportunities it provides: better health, more time for study, and brighter futures. For Sitina, every drop of clean water brings her one step closer to her dream.
The impact is transforming their lives in profound ways. The hours once spent wasted to fetch water are now lovingly devoted to education, work, and personal growth. Zemuye, Sitina’s mother, expresses her heartfelt gratitude: “Before, we faced long walks and the constant fear of illness from contaminated water. Now, our lives are brighter, and my daughter carries a newfound hope for the future.”
This clean water source benefited over 3000 people across Sitina Village. These clean water sources are the first time in their lives, an experience described as a light in the darkness for the community. The wider impact of clean water access brings renewed hope and opportunities to many.
Sitina’s journey is a powerful reminder of how access to clean water can change lives. Through the WASH technical programme, World Vision is transforming the lives of children and communities across the country, providing them with the opportunity to dream, study, and build a better future.