Better Health in 2022
As we make our way into the new year, many of us have resolved to “get healthy” through clean eating, exercise, and healthier lifestyles. But thousands in East Africa don’t have that option. Achieving better health isn’t a matter of goal setting and determination. For families like Zalika’s, it’s a matter of resources.
As a mother of four, Zalika’s top priority has always been to care for her family. Unfortunately, she hasn’t had the means to do that. She knew that her community’s lack of clean water made it impossible to stay well. Even if they had toilets and cleaning stations for dishes and clothes, it would all be pointless with contaminated water. Something had to change.
“My home was always dirty and contaminated [without latrines and washing stations available around the homestead]. [Cross contaminating] flies caused us to suffer from preventable diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid. I used to wash utensils on the ground, but dust particles soiled the plates. We used to bathe in the grass and at the river, as we did not have a bathing shelter.”
But last year, 4africa partnered with Zalika’s community and drilled a community well, giving them access to clean, safe water. She knew hope was on the horizon. With clean water readily available, not only would they have safe drinking water, but they would have clean water to wash dishes, hands, home, and more. She and her family could be well for the first time in their lives. No more suffering through stomach pain; no more skin rashes covering her children; no more chronic illnesses. Better health was here!
After the well was complete, 4africa’s local WASH team (water access, sanitation, and hygiene) followed up with interactive health and hygiene sessions. Working together, they learned how to construct handwashing and bathing stations, drying racks, and homestead latrines from common resources. Zalika didn’t just participate; she became a health advocate and community leader who served others in her community with compassion. She knows how hard it is to be a mother, and with three of her four older children away at school, she empathetically reached out to younger mothers who had their hands full.
Zalika made such an impact on the overall health of her community that she earned an award. Her model home was flawless. (Can you imagine building your own bathroom, sanitation facilities, and kitchen? With a young kiddo in tow, no less!)
“I feel very excited to represent my people. I didn’t expect this honor to be mine. With 4africa’s help, I was able to follow instructions and build a clean latrine, kitchen, drying wire, rubbish pit, and standard dish rack.”
We love Zalika and her heart. She humorously told us that she was “like a matchbox at a gas station,” stirring others into action. The 48-year-old mother worked tirelessly alongside her neighbors to complete the required number of toilets and washing stations to keep her community healthy. With her enthusiasm and guidance, her community completed the work in record time!
The Ripple Effect of Clean Water & Better Health
The benefits of having sanitation facilities go beyond health. Better health relieves financial burden, too.
Zalika explained,
“I can save all of the money I used to spend on preventable diseases. Now, I can pay school fees for my children in boarding school. Embracing hygiene and sanitation practices has a ripple effect [in our communities].”
With fewer medical bills and access to sanitation facilities and clean water, Zalika saves an average of 200,000 shillings per year, enough to cover boarding school fees for three children! Before, she continually worried that her children would be unable to continue their education. Now, she looks forward to their bright futures ahead!
Ordinary People Rising Together to Serve an Extraordinary God
Zalika humbly told us that she’s just an ordinary person with a big heart and a desire for better health:
“My award demonstrates that anybody can be chosen. The honor I have received will spark motivation in my village, and this is our heart’s desire that our community members will have sanitation facilities.
“I received a bucket, bars of soap, and jerrycans. These gifts are life-changing as they will contribute to a better living. I must say that I could not have done this without 4africa’s commitment and partnership. They enabled me to shine.
“The sanitation sessions and tailored training practically demonstrated how to use locally available materials to build sanitation facilities and empowered me to build them myself. This knowledge transformed my thinking, and I could not wait to reap the benefits.
“More often than not, the knowledge is taken for granted; yet, many times what some consider obvious is more complex than meets the eye. I am forever grateful to you 4africa for opening my eyes and training me in critical issues of hygiene and sanitation.”
Lasting Transformation Happens through Local Leaders
Local leadership is vital to our mission. We simply play the supporting role as a new generation of world changers rises up to serve their communities. We cheer on our Academy (LASS) alumni, many of whom have earned their degrees and have established careers. These servant-hearted leaders take what they learned in school and apply it to help their communities. Like Zalika, they are “matchboxes at the gas station” in the best way possible! They’re sparking sustainable changes and better health for all.
Although a Congolese refugee himself, university graduate John K. now spends his time as a graduate student utilizing his knowledge and skills to serve his refugee community. As an accountant and vital part of the 4africa team, John gets an inside look at the entire WASH process from initial community surveys to borehole completion to sanitation sessions and beyond:
“My community will benefit from the health practices I have learned while working with 4africa. I have been given an opportunity to learn a lot from different departments, and I have liked the sanitation sessions and follow-up health approaches. I feel equipped with knowledge in health, which I would otherwise never have acquired. I am confident that I can help my community prevent diseases caused by poor hygiene. I am blessed to be part of this movement that brings young people together to learn practical skills as they reconnect with their God. I vow to be an agent of change to my community.”
An Eternal Purpose
Above all, we keep our minds focused on why we’re here: to glorify God in all we do. Better health provides hope and helps people live more fulfilling abundant lives. But our greatest desire is that those we serve would come to know Jesus so they may “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10)—both now and for eternity.
Thomas, former LASS student and recent college graduate, explained it perfectly:
“4africa has laid a strong foundation for my career and has prepared me for future opportunities. It is a privilege to serve the community and focus on God’s kingdom priorities with a heart of service. I spend most of my time with the communities in the field, and I integrate sharing the Word of God with the hygiene and sanitation education.”
While facilitating tailored trainings, health follow-ups, and HIV and maternal health, Thomas finds opportune moments to share the hope of Jesus with those with significant physical needs and, most importantly, spiritual needs. Just in the past four months, he’s been able to walk alongside 14 people and rejoice with them as they’ve come to know Jesus personally. Now, they not only have better health but a sense of purpose and hope for the future, too!
Let’s Rise Together for Better Health—For ALL
What if, instead of focusing only on our own health resolutions in 2022, we considered the health of others as well? (Did you know that those “warm fuzzies” you get from giving boost your own physical and mental health? (Cleveland Clinic))
If you’re committed to better health this year, we ask that you’ll join us in helping others do the same—especially families in East Africa who currently don’t have the means to do so.
Learn how you can support mothers and refugees like Zalika at 4africa.com.
One Response
Good work ! such sanitation improvement practices will reduce diarrheal diseases , eye infections, worm infestations , skin infections,etc. that people are suffering and becoming ill-health .It costs much money to the family as well as to the community. Her best practices should be scaled up to other community members or house holds so that others also will benefit from . Zalika is a role model for others
THROUGH EDUCATION PEOPLE IMPROVE THEIR LIVING