“This is a massive change in the lives of my family and me,” says nine-year-old Maria. For this young girl from a small hamlet in the Ende Regency, having easy access to clean water at home has truly transformed her life and the lives of her parents.
Previously, families in the hamlet had to fight for clean water every single day—a burden that fell most heavily on mothers and children. Water could only be fetched after a trek of over 1km. Even then, the quality wasn't guaranteed; during the rainy season, the water would turn murky as it was sourced directly from the river. Maria often watched her mother suffer from exhaustion, having to walk back and forth to the river multiple times a day.
“The walk was tiring and sometimes slippery. My parents always told me to be careful because I could fall or get sick. Sometimes I was scared, but there was no other choice because we didn't have water near the house,” Maria explains.
The lack of clean water often meant Maria had to go to school without a bath. When her hands were dirty after playing, she couldn't wash them. Although her teachers taught her about Clean and Healthy Living Behaviour —such as bathing twice a day and washing hands with soap—she simply couldn't put these lessons into practice at home without running water.
The daily lives of children and families in the village were severely hindered. Precious hours that could have been spent on other activities were instead consumed by the trek for water. Yet, without it, the children couldn't drink or wash, mothers couldn't cook or do the laundry, and gardens and livestock couldn't survive.
Providing access to clean water became a matter of urgency. It wasn't just about meeting basic household needs; it was about giving children back their time to play and learn, and allowing parents to focus on their livelihoods.
Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI), in partnership with Indomaret, collaborated with the local community to turn the villagers' hopes into reality.“Every day, the fathers, mothers, and everyone in the hamlet took turns to help with the work. The results are very satisfying!” Maria says happily.
Now, Maria is only a few steps away from clean water. A tap stands right in front of her house, providing a steady flow for drinking, bathing, and washing her hands. She can finally practice a healthy lifestyle every day. “The water is clean, and we can use it whenever we need,” she says.
The change has impacted the whole family:
Safety & Health: No more dangerous treks to the river or hygiene-related illnesses.
Reduced Burden: Maria’s mother no longer faces physical exhaustion from carrying heavy water containers.
Family Time: With the time saved, the family can spend more quality time together.
“My parents look much calmer. Mum isn't as tired as she used to be, and we have more time together at home. For me, having clean water near the house makes our lives safer and more pleasant. I feel healthier and I'm not afraid of running out of water anymore,” Maria concludes.
Author: Wilhemina Seniwati (Programme coordinator for Ende Area Programme)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)