Today, the availability of clean water has allowed Tausi to attend school regularly, and as a result, her academic performance has significantly improved since she has the time and energy to focus on her studies.

Tausi in her classroom at Kaguruka Primary School in Kigoma Region. Photo: UNICEF

Sometimes Tausi went alone, and other times she was accompanied by her mother, carrying a heavy 20-liter jerrican on her head. This routine was not just physically exhausting but was also a major obstacle to her education.

As a standard seven pupil at Kaguruka Primary School, Tausi struggled to balance her studies with the responsibility of providing water for her family. The exhausting and time-consuming task made it difficult for her to attend school regularly. She could only attend classes twice a week, which severely affected her academic performance.

Before, Tausi had to trek long distances to fetch water from an unsafe source in a 20-liter jerrican. Photo: UNICEF Tanzania

Moreover, the untreated water she collected contributed to frequent breakouts of waterborne diseases, not only for Tausi but also for other children in her village. These illnesses caused further absences from school, depriving them of the education they desperately needed to build a better future.

Water made a dramatic life turn

Tausi’s life took a dramatic turn when clean water was finally piped into her village, thanks to the support of the Grundfos Foundation in partnership with UNICEF. With water now readily accessible near her home, Tausi no longer faces the gruelling treks that once consumed her days.

“The water is here; we are happy; we don’t get sick often anymore!” Tausi says with a sense of relief and joy.

Tausi’s story demonstrates how access to clean water can transform lives, especially for children who were once burdened by daily chores that kept them from their education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Tausi smiling in school instead of trekking long distances to fetch water. Photo: UNICEF Tanzania