The community of Dorgovska Mahala has access to water, just in the alley near their village. However, the water is not clean or safe for use. The good news is filters can be attached to the sources to clean out all disease-causing elements AND these filters are not expensive to provide by US standards. Water is essential to life. These filters will allow the community to have access to drinking, cooking, washing and eventually water for growing food.
Access to clean, safe water is vital to health in this village. A health assessment was completed in May 2017, where it was learned villagers were not drinking enough water. After discussing with the villagers, we learned the water close to them was unsafe for drinking, washing or cooking. They found buying orange drink or soda was less expensive than bottled water. The health assessment presented facts kidney disease was imminent for many villagers - children & the elderly most vulnerable.
Providing filters will make clean water accessible to ALL homes in the village (mahala). Villagers will save money previously spent on drinks. Their bodies will be healthier from drinking the water it needs. This will also provide a source for watering produce for healthier eating. Ognyjen, a 10-year-old boy in the village, has several health issues related to consumption of sugary drinks. He desperately needs access to affordable, clean water for his health to improve.
Greater health builds stronger bodies prepared for work and for education. When this community feels better due to healthier habits, children will do better in school and income will rise from the ability to work more often. Once these basic needs are met, we can launch into training resulting in income generating businesses and jobs, leading into a strong future for this community.
