Misaka, Zambia

September 2009

Samuel and Sylvia are community leaders in the peri-urban community of Misaka, Zambia where they live with their two children. They do not hold official titles, but their dedicated work in the community has earned them respect and roles of responsibility among the people living there. Samuel talks of coming to the region 15 years ago with his father to farm the land when there were only a few people gathered around the river. Now the community is a large village, comprised of several thousand people, who moved to the region in hope of something more: new land and jobs. Lack of infrastructure and a challenging environment has made process slow. Over the last several years however, the wellbeing of families has changed as Blood:Water Mission partners have been working in Misaka to bring safe water, hygiene, and sanitation. Wells have been drilled, pumps have been repaired, biosand filters installed in homes, and hygiene and sanitation lessons have been taught in school rooms and community gathering areas. The physical change is visible, but, according to Samuel, the most important change is not. Beyond just bringing technical resources, BWM partners have brought education in the form water, hygiene, and sanitation trainings; education that has transformed people, and who in turn, are transforming the context in which they live. "Education", says Samuel, "gives us the tools to continue these things even after you have gone from our community". In looking towards the future, Samuel knows the importance of what clean water for Misaka. But mostly, he asks for more training and education to come to his village. "This", he says " is what gives me hope for the future; for my children."