Water Access Transforms Sibonelo's Life

Every afternoon after school, 18-year-old Sibonelo from Mahlalini in the Shiselweni Region walked to the river to collect water for her family. The water was not safe, often causing illness, and the long hours spent fetching it left her exhausted, with little time to focus on her studies. At home, her family struggled to grow enough food for their extended household, which she shares with her parents and aunts. Water scarcity significantly affected Sibonelo and her family’s ability to provide for basic needs. 

When World Vision Eswatini brought safe water to Mahlalini, Sibonelo’s family witnessed transformation in the lives. With water now available right inside their homestead, Sibonelo no longer spends her evenings at the river. 

“I don’t struggle with water anymore,” she says with relief. “After water was brought to my community, I was able to focus more on my studies.” 

Her improved study routine paid off, she has successfully completed high school and is now looking forward to enrolling in an electrical and wiring course, a step she hopes will open doors to a stable future.

The impact of water didn’t stop with her education. With reliable access to clean water, her family established a vegetable garden, producing their own nutritious food and reducing the need to buy vegetables. Their meals are healthier and the burden of food costs has eased.

Water also made it possible for the family to raise chickens, a small business that now helps them earn a living. 

“We are able to keep chickens because we have water,” Sibonelo explains proudly. 

Income from poultry sales is helping the family meet daily needs and build resilience. For Sibonelo, safe water has brought dignity, opportunity, and hope. Her dreams no longer feel distant. And for her family, water has become the foundation for better health, improved livelihoods, and a stronger future.

World Vision’s WASH programme continues to play a crucial role in transforming communities like Mahlalini. By strengthening water systems, promoting hygiene practices, and supporting communities to sustainably manage water points, the programme ensures that families have reliable access to safe water every day. This access further empowers families to grow food, improve their health, and pursue income-generating activities that uplift their livelihoods.