[Sister Rosita Kavilpurayidathil shares with us the results of a clean-water project in Nepal that has brought hope and prosperity to the community.]

“Living water has the power to change lives, empower women, strengthen unity within the village, and open new paths towards economic mobility. Water provides new life and new energy. Gadi, ward no. 14, is situated in the hills on the outskirts of Birendranagar Municipality in Surkhet District. Home to 400 households, this ward has long struggled with severe water shortages. The lack of drinking water and irrigation drove many families to migrate down to the valley in search of better facilities.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have been working in this area to empower women and educate children through the Livelihood and Resilience Program for Poverty Alleviation. Yet despite these efforts, women’s progress remained limited by the ongoing water crisis. A water source existed in the hills just 5 kilometers away, but it could not be accessed because the village’s 90,000-liter storage tank was damaged and out of use.

With the financial support from the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (NLBI), the tank was restored and new pipes of various sizes were laid from the source to the tank. The day in July 2026 when water finally flowed into the tank was a moment of pride and joy for the entire community.

Women rejoiced at finally having water in their own homes, no longer needing to carry it from a well at the bottom of the hill where they had to stand in line for their turn to collect water. This daily burden had often delayed their children from getting to school on time. With reliable water now at home, women have begun growing vegetables in their fields and raising livestock for meat and milk. Their way of life is transforming step by step: families are happier and more self-sufficient and the waste water is being used for cultivation, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Women are able to take loans from Navjyoti Bayalkada Saving and Credit Cooperative in Gadi, which is an offspring of Navjyoti Center Surkhet. It provides loans at minimum interest rates. Families have organic vegetables and fruits for consumption and the excess products are sold in the market. Their savings are deposited with the Cooperative for future security. Children go to school regularly and help with the income-generating activities by cutting grass for animals and watering their kitchen gardens during their spare time.

According to Manju Rawat, a local resident, “When water reached our homes, it did not only reduce our hardships, it empowered us, gave us time, confidence and opportunities to improve our lives towards a self-reliant community.”