Ali Asghar Water Appeal: The Shia World Federation builds 25 wells in Northeast Kenya

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Kenya is one of the world’s 30 poorest countries, with more than half the country’s population living below the poverty line.   In Northeast Kenya, this is especially the case where there is twice the relative poverty headcount and people suffer from poor infrastructure, low literacy and limited access to health care. The country has suffered repeated droughts leading to loss of livestock, their main source of income.  These hardships, combined with famine and a condition of extreme poverty has led to chronic food insecurity, and the need for clean accessible water.  Access to clean waterWater is something that we have at our fingertips day in and day out; however, the lack of this resource in Kenya is a major problem.  The need for clean and accessible water was apparent as seniors, children and women of Northeastern Kenya were facing difficulties.  It was determined that rebuilding the existing wells in the country would lead to safer conditions for drawing clean water.  In response, The Shia World Federation helped rehabilitate 25 shallow wells in Wajir County.  Giving hope and securityAfter restoring these 25 wells, the beneficiaries now have clean and safe water that is within reach. The wells are already having an impact on their security and their well-being and families can finally feel confident to provide for themselves by farming enough food and keeping their livestock alive.Some of the recipients shared their thoughts with us:“I am a 70 year old disabled man. I no longer send my grandchild to fetch water from the neighbours anymore. I have my well beautifully cupped inside in my plot. Thank you my well-wishers.”  Well No. 420"I used to fear my children would fall into the open well. Now it has been cupped for me. God bless.” - Well No. 415“I used to beg other people to allow me to fetch water from their wells to sell, but since my well has been cupped, I simply draw for sales from my own well. I fill about 20 jerri cans daily, put them on my donkey cart and I make about 400/= each day.”“My farm produce will surely double, with a cupped well.  I work hard to grow enough food for my family.”“No more begging for water for my goats and sheep. I have plenty of sweet water from own well.” -  Well no. 412ALI ASGHAR WATER APPEALThe Ali Asghar Water Appeal (AAWA) is an ongoing initiative of The World Federation of Shia Khoja Ithna Asheri in partnership with The Africa Federation, CoEJ, NASIMCO and Pakistan Federation to raise funds to provide struggling families with easy access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities across developing countries. Your donation allows us to build water wells and toilets in areas of deprivation. Please support the Ali Asghar Water Appeal with a donation today.For more information or to sponsor a well, please email:  relief@world-federation.org