OPT1MUM
Malaika now operates 17 clean water wells, 13 of which were built in collaboration with the Vinmart and Voss Foundations and four of which were refurbished and brought back tointo working order. Accessibility to uncontaminated water is a fundamental right that ensures healthier living. Over 30,000 people are benefiting from this well system, including this mother Annie Kabange, who is overjoyed at the positive impact the wells are having:
“We are very happy and feel lucky to have the well here. When we arrived here six years ago, we needed to travel more than one kilometer from home each day in order to get only 50 liters, and the water was not clean enough as we were getting it from an open well. We had no other choice, except to use it, and our children were sick all the time. But now we have access to water, and diseases like typhoid fever have disappeared from my house.” -Annie Kabange
“Indeed, my journey to Lubumbashi was indescribable, not only because I met Malaika’s amazing staff, students and the community, but mostly because I could understand and feel the true meaning of altruism. The world had a real sense to me at Kalebuka.
We tend to take everything for granted. Though people in Kalebuka have little, they approach life with smiles and joy. They are lively and have sparks in their eyes.
I was truly struck by the intelligence of the students. To me, Malaika doesn’t only educate girls, but raises the leaders of tomorrow. Noella and her staff are the heart of Malaika. Being with Noella for many hours of many days opened my eyes to her dedication to the school and the community. I am very proud of her for being part of such an amazing organization.”