Examples of our work in Burkina Faso

Sawadogo Talato is the vice president of the water committee in Yaké village.

Credit: WaterAid / Suzanne Porter

Everything has changed

Sawadogo Talato is the vice president of the water committee in Yaké village.

"A lack of water can lead to conflict among people but since we have had the well we are much happier. The women are able to get on with other activities, many of which bring us money. This means we can look after our children better.

"All the children go to school now. Before the children often had to get water in the morning which kept them from school.

"When the pond dried up even the little ones walked 5km and back again twice a day for water. The children used to suffer. They used to have lots of diarrhoea. But now everything is better and they are much healthier. Everything has changed."

Restoring dignity

Marie Edith Kinda is from Seguedin Village, where 15 wells have been rehabilitated and 101 latrines built.

Credit: WaterAid / Suzanne Porter

Marie Edith Kinda is from Seguedin Village, where 15 wells have been rehabilitated and 101 latrines built.

"Before we had to go to the toilet in the bushes. The pigs would always trample the dirt back into the village and our homes.

"When women had diarrhoea they couldn't get far from home and had to go to the toilet in front of everyone else. It was embarrassing. Having latrines has not only helped our health, it has restored our dignity and pride.

"The lack of hygiene caused us many illnesses. Now we are able to clean our children and they are much healthier. We received training to maintain the wells. We always keep the wells clean and keep soap by the latrines to wash our hands afterwards."

A healthy future for Sophie's children

WaterAid and its partners have changed the lives of many people such as 32 year old Sophie Zongo and her five children.

Credit: WaterAid / Suzanne Porter

WaterAid Burkina Faso, with the help of local organisations, has changed the lives of many people such as 32 year old Sophie Zongo and her five children.

Due to WaterAid's project with its partner AMUS, Sophie now has more time and energy to spend earning money. As well as helping the community set up a well and build latrines, AMUS has organised a women's group which builds up funds to put towards small businesses, and Sophie makes soap and millet beer to sell.

Here Sophie describes the impact the project has had on her life:

"Since the project here we have had lots of changes. The building of the latrines has brought lots of changes. Before, everyone had to go to the toilet in nature. The flies used to go into the faeces and come into the houses. They brought dirtiness and illness.

"Now the latrines are so close to our houses that even if you are ill you can use the latrines to go to the toilet.

"Without safe water the children were often ill which stopped them going to school. Now I can hope that my children will grow up in good health - that they will grow up and do well at school and get a job. I hope my girls will grow up well and be in good health and get married."