Water for a village can transform lives of a whole community

This article by  SCIAF Community Engagement Officer Michael Hamilton first appeared in The Flourish.

Water – it’s not something we are short of here in Scotland, especially as the winter months draw in. Our lush green rolling hills are famous the world over. I can reach for the tap without thinking, when I need a drink, bathe my kids, cook our food, or even wash my car. 
  
Not everyone is so fortunate. In some of the countries where SCIAF works, water isn’t so accessible – but when it is, it becomes life-changing. I saw this for myself when I visited Malawi this year. Although some people need to walk for hours to access water which is often unclean and dangerous to drink, SCIAF and our partners continue to work with communities to ensure they can have access to clean and safe water.

Every year, SCIAF offers Real Gifts, giving supporters the chance to buy meaningful Christmas presents for their loved ones. Every Real Gift that’s shared goes to support those most in need, in communities around the world.  One of the gifts, often bought by parishes I work with as part of my job at SCIAF, is ‘Water for a village’.
 
Bishop Brian McGee is SCIAF’s Bishop President – who was my travel companion in Malawi - also saw how precious the gift of water is. He said:

“Water is life – the foundation for all flourishing. It’s vital, therefore, that we reach out to those who don’t have access to clean, safe water now! “Water for a village can transform the lives of a whole community – and I’ve seen, first-hand, what it can do in Zambia and Malawi. It’s truly life-giving and brings to light why Jesus compares his ‘Living Water’ to that of clean water here on earth.” 

What I remember most was one day we travelled to a village which was taking part in a project. They had a solar panel and pump to get water into the fields. Their fields were green and lush, it was almost like an oasis in comparison to the countless villages we had driven through to get there. This access to water was the first necessary step they needed as they then were able to grow many different types of crops, use and sell these and they were then discussing how they could support neighbours in nearby villages and towns who were struggling.
 
As Bishop Brian said so rightly:

“It is right that the Catholic Church here in Scotland reaches out to those most in need. And there are lots of way we can continue to provide hope and love. 

“This Christmas, I hope parishes, schools and individuals come together to raise money for this transformational Real Gift, so that SCIAF can help install new water points and irrigation schemes in some of the world’s poorest places.” 

Water is just one of many Real Gifts parishes and individuals tell me that they are saving to buy this year, when I visit them. People are planning to buy everything from seeds to emergency food packages, access to education and even chickens. I have now seen with my own eyes that they all make a difference.

Eliza from Malawi had her life transformed, when she was gifted goats through SCIAF’s work. She said:

“SCIAF gave me five goats. When they multiplied, I sold one, and the money helped me pay school fees for my children. This support has made a significant difference in my family’s life, and I am deeply thankful.” 

Christmas is such a special time for us all… we come together in our families and in our parishes to reflect on the messages of love and hope. A Real Gift is a gift of hope.