This is an update story about a family who received a 20 Liters filter 13 years ago. This past spring, they were revisited and told this story. By the way, the water coming out of their filter is still clean!
Jeanne – drinking clean water since 2012
Thirteen years ago, Jeanne and her husband Gracien became the proud recipients of a 20 Liters SAM3 water filter. Since 2012, the filter has played a central role in transforming their lives by providing clean water and improving their overall quality of life.
Jeanne and Gracien live in the Gahanga Sector of Rwanda, an area that was once rural but has since become a rapidly growing city. Despite this development, access to clean drinking water remains a challenge. In the past, Jeanne’s family had to buy water, with a 20-liter jerrycan costing 2,000 Rwandan francs (about $1.40 USD). Since they used one jerrycan every five days, the cost quickly added up, putting a strain on their finances.
The 20 Liters water filter brought more than just clean water – it brought significant changes to their health and peace of mind. Before receiving the filter, Jeanne’s family was at constant risk of waterborne diseases like typhoid and diarrhea. The filter has dramatically reduced these risks, improving their health and safety. In addition, the money they once spent on buying water is now redirected toward purchasing food, which has improved their nutrition and overall well-being. “The water filter has changed our lives,” Jeanne said. “The money we used to spend on water now helps feed our family, and we no longer worry about waterborne diseases.”
The impact of the filter extends beyond their household. Jeanne explained that her neighbors also rely on this filter for access to clean drinking water. Three of them fetch water regularly, showing how the filter has become a vital resource for the wider community.
Jeanne’s gratitude to the 20 Liters initiative reflects the deep sense of relief and hope she feels, “We are truly grateful to World Relief and 20 Liters for this life-changing support.”
The 20 Liters water filter has not only provided Jeanne’s family with reliable access to clean water but has also empowered them to use their resources more wisely. It has transformed their daily life, safeguarded their health and allowed them to invest in their future – one clean drop at a time.
