In a remote village in India, where the hills meet the horizon, one community grappled with a daunting challenge: a lack of access to safe drinking water. It was a close-knit village, led by its dedicated pradhan (elected leader), Suraja. The villagers relied on a nearby spring for their water needs, but during the scorching summer months, the spring would run dry. As a result, they were compelled to undertake exhausting journeys to a neighbouring village to collect water—time that could otherwise have been spent on livelihoods or education.

Reena, a staff member of World Renew’s local partner, EFICOR, had been trained to support Village Savings and Loan (VSLA) groups in addressing community challenges. She joined forces with the group to draft an application and submit it to local authorities, including the Block Development Officer (BDO) and the water department, highlighting the urgent need for a reliable source of safe drinking water.

In July 2023, the group’s persistence and determination paid off. A newly installed water tank now provides the village with consistent access to safe drinking water. This achievement has had a particularly meaningful impact on the women of the community, who no longer need to spend hours fetching water from distant locations. Water is now available within their own village, freeing up time for other important activities.

Suraja and other community members are experiencing renewed hope and confidence, knowing their village can thrive with a dependable water supply. In the words of Pradhan Suraja:

“Access to safe drinking water has improved not only our health but also our quality of life. We are now encouraged to continue our journey towards a brighter future, united because of water.”

At World Renew, we believe access to clean water is more than a necessity—it is a foundation for health, dignity, and opportunity. Around the world, billions still lack safe drinking water, and women and girls spend countless hours collecting it. With reliable access, communities like Suraja’s can prevent disease and create time for education, livelihoods, and growth—empowering families to move beyond survival and change their story for good.