Rose's story, then and now

Four years ago we shared Rose’s story. At the time she had just taken a small, affordable loan to give her family a toilet and water at home. She explained why this loan was so important to her by sharing what her life is like now...

Rose dropped out of school after fifth grade. It is no surprise why she quit school so young as, globally, women and children are often responsible for collecting water. All too common in Rose's home country of Uganda where 38 million people lack access to safe water, the daily chore of collecting water for the family landed on Rose. After spending most of her teen years as her family's water bearer, Rose married young and had two children. She became a single mother shortly after the birth of her second child. 

Concerned for her future, Rose started a small business. Eventually, her business of selling charcoal earned enough for her to purchase a home. Rose worked hard to build a new life for herself, though she lacked something critical to survival. She had no toilet or running water at home. It's hard to imagine raising children without these things. With her little ones in tow, Rose's days consisted of selling charcoal at the market and walking long distances to and from her home to collect water.  

Now, four years later, Rose’s smile is brighter than ever. The water from the tap she constructed with her small loan is convenient and saves her hours each day. No more walks for water. Thanks to the lasting safe water connection she gave her family, she can dedicate her time to work and to caring for her kids. 

Her son and daughter are almost through primary school, and her charcoal business generates enough to repay her loan and sustain her family. With each sale of charcoal, Rose offers a warm, thankful smile to her customers. She shared, “My customers like my product, they always come back for more.” 

Water.org's solutions focus on empowerment through access to affordable financing. For millions of people like Rose, access to funds is the only thing standing between them and safe water in their homes. Our solutions focus on breaking down this barrier and bringing hope and opportunity to those in need. 

Donate to Water.org today and empower people with access to the funds needed to give their families safe water and bright futures.