Water, sanitation & sustainability - Sierra Leone

During our recent visit to Motuakoi and Mogbanka communities in Kargboro Chiefdom, we witnessed first-hand the difficult and unsafe conditions people face every single day just to access water. In Motuakoi, the entire community depends on one small, unprotected water source. This same water is used for drinking, cooking, washing clothes, bathing, and every other household need. People are not doing this because they want to, but because they have absolutely no other option. The water is open, exposed to dirt, runoff, and contamination, and yet it remains the only lifeline for the community. Many residents told us they worry constantly about their children falling sick from waterborne diseases, especially during the rainy season when the water becomes even more polluted.

In Mogbanka, the situation is just as worrying. The community’s only water source is shallow, visibly dirty, and extremely unreliable. During the dry season it almost disappears, and during the rains it becomes heavily contaminated. The Media Officer who visited the site saw how far people walk just to fetch this unsafe water. Mothers explained how their children often miss school because they must help collect water early in the morning. Farmers lose valuable working hours, and families spend scarce income on treating illnesses caused by unsafe water. Many residents described their daily struggle simply as “suffering for water,” and it is clear that without help, this suffering will continue.

Both communities are living under conditions that no one should have to endure. The lack of clean water exposes them to constant health risks, including skin infections, diarrhoea, and other preventable illnesses. Women and girls carry the heaviest burden, walking long distances and spending hours each day fetching water that is not even safe to drink. These challenges affect every part of life—health, education, livelihoods, and dignity.

We are therefore appealing for urgent donor support to bring safe, clean, and reliable water to Motuakoi and Mogbanka. With your help, we can construct protected boreholes, train community members on safe water handling, and establish local WASH committees to ensure long-term sustainability. These interventions will not only reduce disease but also restore hope, productivity, and stability to families who have been struggling for far too long. Your contribution will directly improve the lives of more than 2,000 people who are currently at high risk due to unsafe water conditions. Supporting vulnerable communities is not just an act of charity—it is an investment in human dignity and resilience, and it creates lasting change for generations to come. You can explore why this matters through supporting vulnerable communities.

We want to express our deepest appreciation to all our existing partners and donors. Your support has already made a meaningful difference in many parts of Kargboro Chiefdom, and communities recognise and value your commitment. We are grateful for everything you have helped us achieve so far, and we hope you will continue standing with us as we work to bring clean water, better health, and renewed hope to Motuakoi and Mogbanka. Your generosity is the reason change is possible, and together, we can ensure that no one has to drink unsafe water again.

Community Savings in Action – Insights from a Recent Field Visit**

During a recent visit by WellFound’s CEO to one of the most remote villages in Sierra Leone, the tangible impact of your support was seen first-hand. Reaching the community required hours of travel by rough roads and footpaths, underscoring both the isolation these villages face and the significance of sustained, community-led investment.

The visit highlighted how community savings groups are transforming daily life. Women proudly shared how pooled savings have enabled them to start and grow small businesses, including food trading, vegetable production, and local services. These enterprises are generating reliable income, improving household stability, and reducing vulnerability during difficult seasons.

Parents spoke about the positive impact on their children’s education. With access to savings, families are now able to pay school fees on time, purchase uniforms and learning materials, and support regular attendance. Teachers reported improved concentration and participation among pupils, as financial pressure on households has eased.

The CEO also witnessed how savings groups are safeguarding essential infrastructure. Community funds are being used to repair and maintain wells promptly, ensuring continuous access to safe water. This has protected health gains, reduced water-related illness, and saved women and children hours each day previously spent collecting unsafe water.

Women’s leadership was a defining feature of the visit. Women manage the savings groups, oversee decision-making, and play a central role in maintaining water points. Their confidence and influence within the community have grown significantly.

This visit confirmed that your donation is delivering lasting change. Even in the most remote villages, community savings are driving self-reliance, sustaining infrastructure, and creating a stronger future led by empowered women.