We approached from a distance toward a home, just beyond the trading center in Juru. From afar, I thought the woman cleaning a water filter was the owner of the home we were visiting. But, she was actually a volunteer for the Water Project. She was carrying out her routine checks on families that were given water filters by 20 Liters.
Charlotte is 43 years old and married with seven kids. She is also one of 28 volunteers from Juru sector. They were trained by 20 Liters to assemble, manage and maintain filters.
“I volunteered to train and help people in my village because volunteering keeps me in regular contact with others. It helps me to connect with my neighbors and to build a solid support system and a feeling of helpfulness” she says smilingly.
The volunteers meet once every week, and plan daily visits to families that were given filters. Not only do they clean and repair the water filters but they also educate families on the dangers and repercussions of drinking dirty water.
“We mostly engage kids and teach them never to drink dirty water. We advise them to always ask for water from any home with a water filter. Though we plan on whom to visit and when, sometimes we receive calls. Recipients know to call us if they have problems or blocked filters. We immediately go and help them out” Charlotte explains.
When asked why she chose to do work for free, Charlotte smiles and says it benefits not only the people she helps but herself as well.
“It seems that when we focus on the needs of others, we may also reap benefits ourselves. It means that voluntary activity in the community brings better health, improved educational performance and greater life satisfaction.” Charlotte says.
