When you support our work, we make a promise: to share stories of the people transforming their lives with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene, because of you.

Ever wondered how we collect many of those stories? We have a team of seven dedicated Voices from the Field officers.

Local to the countries where we work around the world, they regularly gather photos, films and interviews from the communities you’re supporting – no matter how remote the location. The results are always remarkable.

Why are our photos so important to us?

Find out about our ethical image policy

Meet the team:

Portrait of Frehiwot Gebrewold “I really enjoy working with the community. It’s the best way to know how things really work on the ground and seeing that motivates me to work harder. Providing a solution to their challenges is the most enjoyable part of working with communities. It gives pleasure to the heart!” Frehiwot, Ethiopia Image: WaterAid/ Genaye Eshetu
Voices from the Field officer James behind the scenes in Uganda "Water is life and sanitation is dignity. So often we talk to people who are marginalised and when they speak no one listens. We're here to amplify their voices." James, Uganda Image: WaterAid/Eliza Powell
Ernest takes a selfie with Scouts in Ankazobe district, Madagascar. "I grew up in a small village and didn't have clean water. My experience and seeing how bad the situation can be in other areas of the country gives me the motivation to help." Ernest, Madagagascar Image: WaterAid/Ernest Randriarimalala
Basile, our Voices from the Field officer in Burkina Faso, holds a camera. "The Voices from the Field programme is so important because we report and illustrate stories, so our supporters can see what effect their fundraising is having.” Basile, Burkina Faso Image: WaterAid/Nyani Quarmyne/Panos
Our Voices from the Field officer Dennis, with a camera. "By listening to people’s voices, we're able to hear their stories, their struggles and their perspective on life's challenges. I feel this helps people understand each other deeply." Dennis, Malawi Image: WaterAid/Alexia Webster
Our Voices from the Field Officer, Mani, with his camera in Lele, Nepal. "Going on my first field visit was amazing. It is very exciting being part of a global team. I feel like I am making a difference for my country." Mani, Nepal Image: WaterAid/Sibtain Haider
Our Voices from the Field officer Chileshe "I'm excited about telling the collective success of WaterAid's work. Supporters put their resources somewhere and in films, photos and stories they can see where it's going." Chileshe, Zambia Image: WaterAid

Storytelling: exploring hidden worlds

The stories that the Voices from the Field officers gather from around the world are sometimes difficult stories to tell, sometimes heart-warming, sometimes about themselves, but always unique.

Read on for a few stories written by our officers:

A blog by Basile to highlight the plight of sanitation workers to mark World Toilet Day

Where does the waste go? The hidden heroes of sanitation
 

And just a couple of the COVID-19 lockdown diaries where we get an insight into the officers’ own lives

Adjusting to lockdown in Zambia

Lockdown at home with my children in Uganda

 

Seven reasons why we love our Voices from the Field officers

From building brilliant relationships to being passionate about passing on their skills, these are the things we love most about our Voices from the Field team.

Read the story
James gives copies of his photos to Lillian and Helen in Uganda.
Image: WaterAid

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