Nilza's journey for clean water

In Nampula Province, Mozambique, 11-year-old Nilza has witnessed firsthand how access to clean water can change lives.

Until recently, fetching water was a daily struggle for Nilza and her friends. Every morning before the sun rose, they would embark on a nearly two-hour journey to the river, carrying heavy 20-liter buckets back to their homes. This physically exhausting routine had a profound impact on Nilza’s education and well-being.

“I was often late for school,” Nilza recalls. “Some days, I arrived too tired to concentrate in class. Other times, I missed school altogether because I had to help my family fetch water.”

The struggle for safe water in Mozambique

The situation was even more challenging during the dry season, when water sources would become scarce, forcing the community to ration their usage.

Hygiene was another concern, as Nilza and other children sometimes had to skip bathing to conserve the little water they had. Worse still, the river water they depended on was often unsafe, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

This changed when ChildFund Mozambique, in partnership with its local partners and the community, installed a water borehole in Nilza’s community. The new borehole, located just 3 to 5 minutes from Nilza’s home, has significantly improved daily life.

“Now, we can fetch as much water as we need without walking long distances,” she says with a smile. “I can fill several buckets, take a shower every day, and still get to school on time, feeling fresh and ready to learn.”

The bigger picture: WASH in Mozambique

Nilza’s story is not unique. Across Nampula Province, many children – especially girls – face similar challenges due to a lack of access to clean water.

According to the latest data from UNICEF and the National Institute of Statistics of Mozambique (INE, 2022), only about 43% of the population in Nampula has access to safe drinking water, and sanitation coverage remains low, with just 30% of households having access to improved sanitation facilities. This situation disproportionately affects girls, who often bear the responsibility of fetching water, limiting their time for education and personal development.

Studies show that inadequate access to water and sanitation contributes to high absenteeism rates among school-aged girls – particularly during menstruation, when proper hygiene facilities are lacking (UNICEF, 2023).

Access to clean water is more than a convenience – it is a catalyst for education and health. By providing safe water sources like the borehole in Nilza’s community, ChildFund Mozambique is not only improving children’s health but also supporting girls like Nilza to pursue their education without unnecessary obstacles.

“I am so grateful,” Nilza says. “Now, I can focus on my studies and dream about my future.”

ChildFund Mozambique remains committed to expanding access to clean water and promoting WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) initiatives to ensure that more children, especially girls, can thrive in a safe and supportive environment. Every drop of clean water can bring a wave of change, and Nilza’s story is a testament to that transformation.