As 2023 comes to a close, we thank you for being a part of our community! It has been a year of connections and collaborations for Friendly Water, with relationships forged between our supporters in the US, and our friends in Kenya. In the philosophy of Ubuntu - I am because we are - we have accomplished many things together this year. Ubuntu is a word, but it is also an idea. 

-  Girls at the schools and orphanages we collaborated with in Kakamega County no longer face long and dangerous trips to find sources of water. They are able to remain in the classroom during the day, spending time learning and playing with friends, rather than risking the dangers of physical harm encountered while retrieving dirty surface water, which is often miles away.

-  Water is now available year-round in these communities, providing for hygiene, gardening, cooking, building, and farming. 

-  Villagers - men and women alike - found new economic opportunities through leadership roles, masonry, house building, brick making, and selling soap, water filters, and vegetables. This enables them to stay in their villages, preserving their community and culture. 

Friendly Water is unique. Through the lens of water security, we have developed seven technologies that intertwine to create a set of climate-friendly solutions to improve the social, health and economic aspects of village life. This leads to stronger, healthier villages with lower incidences of illness. Our technologies provide the groundwork for fewer internally displaced people, improved cultural preservation and new economic opportunities. 

In the spirit of Ubuntu, will you join us in giving this season? Together, we can help ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

With warm wishes for a joyous 2024,

Curt Andino,

Executive Director