Pump Aid Ambassador Joanna Jarjue Visits Malawi: Witnessing the Life-Changing Impact of Clean Water

As Pump Aid Ambassador, Joanna Jarjue had the privilege of visiting Malawi in October 2023 to see firsthand the incredible work the charity is doing to fight water poverty. From meeting nursery children to spending time with women farmers, her experience was eye-opening and deeply personal. Here’s what she got up to during her first two days in Malawi.

Day 1: A Warm Welcome and a Strong Start

At Mankhonongo CBCC (Community-Based Childcare Centre), I was greeted with smiles and warmth from the children and caregivers. The nursery children here are now given English lessons, have access to a waterpoint on-site, adequate toilet facilities, and are taught about sanitation and hygiene. These improvements, made possible by Pump Aid, have transformed their daily lives.

One of the most heartening stories I heard was about the drastic reduction in diarrhoea cases among children at the CBCC. Since the installation of a clean water pump, latrines, and sanitation facilities by Pump Aid, the health of these children has improved significantly. Not only that, but with access to clean water, the community can now grow their own food, further boosting nutrition and well-being.

Women Farmers: Growing for Their Families and Communities

In the same communities, I met with the Women Farmers Group, who are empowered to grow crops for their households and sell any extra produce. This provides them with the means to buy basic needs for their families, including children studying at the CBCCs. Climate change has made this water access even more critical, as the communities now rely on water facilitated by Pump Aid to grow their crops, especially during dry seasons while they wait for the rains.

At Tigwirane Manja, I saw more preschool interventions, nutrition programmes, and food preparation activities involving the women farmers. The fresh produce they gifted me was a testament to their hard work and how crucial Pump Aid’s irrigation systems are in supporting their livelihoods.

Day 2: Witnessing Sustainable Solutions in Action

On day two, I visited several more CBCCs where children are taught English and provided with wash and sanitation lessons by their caregivers. Pump Aid has ensured that these schools have adequate wash stations, better toilet facilities, and safe classrooms, helping to create a nurturing environment for learning.

In addition to supporting preschools, Pump Aid trains area mechanics to maintain the water pumps. These mechanics, often women, are vital to the sustainability of the clean water systems. They respond to repair needs within 72 hours, ensuring that communities, schools, and households are not left without access to clean water for long periods. This system is a lifeline for communities who rely on just one pump for their water needs.

Reflecting on the Journey

As someone born in Africa, this trip was not just another ‘life-changing experience’ or a school trip—it was deeply personal. As a Pump Aid ambassador, I felt connected to the work in a way that goes beyond impact reports. I’ve seen the difference it makes, heard the stories firsthand, and witnessed how hard Pump Aid works to reduce water poverty in Malawi.

A special highlight was meeting with the British Ambassador to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, at her High Commission Residence. We discussed Pump Aid’s work, my role as an ambassador, and the potential for further collaboration in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. It was an honour to represent the charity and share my experiences in the field.

Support Communities in Malawi

I’ve seen the incredible difference clean water makes—not just to health and hygiene but to the future of entire communities. From children building their own toys at Mankhonongo CBCC to women farmers growing food to support their families, every person I met has directly benefited from Pump Aid’s work.

Please consider donating to Pump Aid. Your support goes a long way in helping these communities sustain clean water access, reduce waterborne diseases, and thrive in the face of climate challenges.

I’m proud of the journey so far and excited to see what more we can accomplish together. Thank you, Pump Aid, for the invitation—this trip has brought me even closer to the cause, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for this incredible organisation.