Meet Chari, a woman in Nepal who started her days at 4am to collect water for her family. The path to find water was dangerous—going through the jungle to find a nearby stream. She often was on watch for snakes, wild animals, and particularly elephants.
Read her story—in her own words below:
Hi! My name is Chari Maya Waiba, and I live with my husband and our 6 children in Bhulantar village for the past 13 years. I used to go 4 times a day to collect water, walking from my house, through the jungle, to then reach the stream, collect water, and return home. This would take me almost 1 hour each time and I would collect water up to 4 times a day.
There was always the fear of wild animals. I would walk with my friend and this would help me, but sometimes when walking by myself I would be most afraid.
Aside from collecting water, I also look after my children, prepare the family meals, look after the animals, and help my husband in the field.
Our whole village now has tap stands with water available all the time! I’m so grateful for neverthirst. Now, it only takes me less than 5 minutes to collect water, and I can use my time for other activities that help my family. I used to wake up at 4am to collect water, but now I no longer need to get up this early and walk through the jungle. I now have time to rest and also more time with my family.
Written by
Tara Collins
