Clean Water Changes Lives in Senegal

By Heifer International

Last Updated: August 2, 2019

Clean Water Changes Lives in Senegal

Meet Khardiata. She is 10 years old and lives in the community of Nakara in northeastern Senegal. Daily life in Nakara is not easy; water is scarce, and it takes a lot of time and effort to get. Every day before and after school, Khardiata helps her mother with the chores, which includes gathering water wherever it can be found.

But for thousands of families like Khardiata’s in northeastern Senegal, finding clean water will no longer be a problem thanks to a solar-powered well that Heifer is drilling.

Listen to Khardiata describe how she fetches water and tends to the family’s farm and her hopes for the future thanks to the opportunities her family has been given by Heifer.


Soon, fetching water will be a thing of the past, but until the well is finished, Khardiata cheerfully helps her mother fetch water every day. But Khardiata does have a little help, thanks to a donkey.

"Almost every day, you go and look for donkeys," Khardiata said. "When you come back, you take a donkey cart. If you don't have a bucket, you need to do everything to get one. Take it and go get water."

Khardiata fetches water suing a donkey cart.


In addition to the benefit that will be gained from the solar-powered well that Heifer is drilling, Khardiata and her family also received chickens from Heifer.

“We got hens. After their eggs hatched, we sold the chickens. With the money we buy rice, oil and vegetables. We buy almost everything we need. We even bought the donkey cart and other supplies," Khardiata said.

Khardiata holds her family's new chicken they received from Heifer.


Farm animals like hens provide more than money; they’re a source of food for the family. Eggs and milk are full of protein, helping kids like Khardiata grow up healthy and strong.

With their new chicken business and clean water, Khardiata's future is looking brighter than ever. Her family is now able to save for her schooling, something that was previously unfathomable due to the cost.

 Khardiata holds a goat and a quote is displayed next to her.

Thank You


All over the world there are kids like Khardiata, who dream of a better life. Because of you, Heifer can give their families that opportunity.