A Firsthand Look at the Daily Strain of Carrying Life’s Most Basic Need
During my trip to Nepal last year to survey a water project, I decided to experience firsthand what it’s like for villagers to carry water who sometimes have to do it twice daily. In fact, quite often, young girls must do this tedious work. So, one day, I went with them to find out exactly what it’s like.
The first challenge was learning to balance the large, unwieldy wicker basket that held the empty water can – while dealing with a headband that kept slipping down my eyes! We wound our way along ridges and through clouds until we reached a water source. But soon, the locals I was with decided that the tiny trickle wasn’t enough to fill our cans, so we pressed on. After about 40 minutes of walking, we found a better source and carefully dipped water into the cans, trying to avoid picking up too much dirt. The water was so icy that our hands quickly went numb!
Finally, once the cans were full, we helped each other shoulder the load and began the arduous trek back to the village. A third of the way in, I felt like my neck vertebrae were compressing under the weight. Despite several rest stops, by halfway, my shoulders felt like they were going to give out completely. My arms were numb, my forehead throbbed, and my back felt on the verge of breaking. I couldn’t imagine doing this every day, sometimes twice a day—and I’m strong, fit, and well-nourished. Imagine being a young child forced into this task. Imagine a growing body struggling under such strain. Imagine being a young girl, longing for school but trapped by this burden, a slave to her daily duties at home.
Carrying water with the village women brought everything into sharp focus. It made the hardships they face every day feel real and urgent. We must act to relieve children and women from this exhausting labor.
A complete water system for a Himalayan village costs between $12,000 and $30,000. This system doesn’t just provide drinking water; it also supports irrigation, transforming life in the village. Children can now attend school, lifting the barrier of illiteracy. With water for crops and livestock, poverty is diminished, and the risk of trafficking fades as people gain security. Fathers can return home to their families because they can cultivate their land and build stable lives.
You can be part of this change
Any amount you give will support water wells in India or water systems in the Himalayas. Sponsor water today!
