The following story is the written experience by Naomy Chepkemoi, a recipient of the Greenheart Impact Grant from the 2025 season.
At 3:00 a.m., while most of the world is still asleep, a different kind of life begins in Olmekenyu.
I remember those mornings clearly. The cold air, the silence, and the quiet urgency. We would wake up in the dark, not because we wanted to, but because we had to. Water was not something you turned on from a tap. It was something you chased, something you worked for, something you hoped would still be there when you arrived.
The journey to the nearest water source was long—over three kilometers for many families. The path was rough, uneven, and often dangerous. Sometimes we walked in groups for safety. I still remember one morning when I came face to face with a hyena. Such moments serve as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with something as fundamental as water.
For those who could afford it, donkeys were used to transport water. But even that was not easy. The terrain was harsh, and the journey was long. For many others, especially women and girls, the only option was to carry 20-liter jerricans on their backs. Under the scorching sun, step by step, balancing weight and exhaustion, just to bring water home.
And even then, the water was not clean.
This reality shaped my understanding of dignity. Because water is not just about thirst—it is about health, safety, time, and opportunity.
Today, that same struggle exists for many families in Olmekenyu. But it is even more critical at the Olmekenyu Health Centre.
A place meant to heal has been operating without reliable access to safe, clean water.
Imagine a mother in labor, in the maternity ward, bringing new life into the world—yet the facility does not have enough clean water for proper sanitation. Imagine healthcare workers doing their best but limited by something so basic. Imagine patients who come seeking treatment, but the conditions themselves pose a risk.
This is why the Olmekenyu Drops of Dignity project matters.
With the support of the Greenheart Impact Grant, we have installed a rainwater harvesting system and a water storage tank at the health center. It may seem simple, but for us, it is transformative.
For the maternity wing, it means safer deliveries, improved hygiene, and dignity for mothers and newborns.
For healthcare workers, it means the ability to provide better care without constant limitations.
For the community, it means access to a reliable source of water at the healthcare centre.
This project is not just about water. It is about restoring dignity. It is about reducing inequality. It is about proving that even in communities where challenges feel overwhelming, change is possible when people come together.
When I look at the now installed tank, I see more than just infrastructure. I see relief. I see hope. I see a future where a child does not have to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to search for water.
This is just the beginning.
Because one day, we will not just have a tank—we will have a system that ensures every household, every school, and every health facility has access to clean, safe water.
Until then, we continue—step by step, drop by drop.
Greenheart would like to thank Naomy for their hard work and continuous passion in making differences in their community.
If you are interested in supporting the Greenheart Impact Grants, please visit our donation page here.