Here at Ubuntu, there is not a day that goes by where we do not talk about our core principle of interconnectedness. We were all put on this planet to help & love one another. Right away, when we think of today being World Water Day, we think how can we help? In what ways can we contribute to make the lives of people we love easier to access basic necessities such as clean water.
When Ubuntu decided to partner with Adorama last year, each team flew out to Kenya to document the connection we have the Maasai tribe. There was a wonderful component of the trip that was not only getting to know each other but to give back by helping install water tanks for these Maasai families outside of Kajiado.
It is not a secret that there is a water and sanitation crisis in Kenya. About 41% of the population of the entire country relies on unimproved water sources, and even more use unimproved sanitation solutions and store water in open barrels, leading to breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. In addition, many of the mothers in this area spend six or more hours every time they need to replenish the water at their home.
“Ubuntu Life partnered with Adorama as part of the collaboration titled, "A Walk in Her Shoes”. This collaboration focused on empowering Ubuntu Life's Maasai Maker Mums who walk an average of 5 miles a day to fetch water for themselves and their families. This daily trek for water is, unfortunately, a task that many women are faced with in rural parts of Kenya due to the scarcity of water. The goal of the trip was to create an empowering opportunity that is mutually beneficial for our Maasai Maker Mums by increasing access to water and to get Ubuntu Life customers closer to the impact and people who are making their shoes. The Adorama collaboration helped kickstart a water program for our Maasai Maker Mums that will continue to grow the Ubuntu Life mission.” Zane Wilemon
Almost a year after the installation was completed, we asked a couple of the Maasai tribe members how the addition of the water tanks have impacted their lives.
Nancy:
“I am always thankful for this water tank. It solved so many water challenges. Now our kids can do homework instead of going to look for water. We are thankful”
Peris:
“Water is life and my life has got much better after getting the water tank. I used to walk 5 kilometers to get water. But now I use the 5 thousand liters in 3 months. My health is better my kids are healthy and my vegetables can grow and feed our family. Thanks, Ubuntu for your support”
