Yusufu Rukwago and family

Our project is well underway and I was recently asked for some stories that will describe the impact that we're having within the communities. The following is a story that an intern, Cory, wrote while working with our team. I think he did a great job, so I wanted to share it with you...enjoy!

(Yusufu and his family are pictured in the top two photos)

Deep in the bright green foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains of western Uganda lies the community of Kyabahuura. Known for its large herds of cattle, Kyabahuura is well-known for its milk, which is said to be easier to find than water itself. One of the downsides of living in such a hilly area, though, is the lack of available clean water.

One such farmer facing this problem was Yusufu Rukwago. A happy father of nine children, this banana farmer struggled to find clean water for his family. He realized the health problems associated with drinking dirty water, but had no other options.

That is why Yusufu was the first in Kyabahuura to sign up for a BioSand Water Filter after hearing about Samaritan’s Purse’s Household Water Program. Knowing the water filter’s importance, Yusufu worked many hot hours alongside the Samaritan’s Purse team to build the filters from local materials. In addition, he spent his free time going round the many fragrant banana farms of Kyabahuura, mobilizing people and sharing with them the importance of the filters to the community’s health. He even challenged the doubting town doctor, proving to him the difference the filters make.

Now, 8 days after installing his filter, Yusufu sits on the cool cement floor of his red brick home describing the difference the filter has made in his family’s life.

“We will prevent sickness in our family!” He says he is very happy Samaritan’s Purse came to Kyabahuura because most people would not be willing to travel so far in the bush to help others. He hopes to work more with Samaritan’s Purse in the future, and is thankful for Samaritan’s Purse’s help in providing his children with healthy water. “Dirty water is now just a dream!”