The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are spearheading a transformative project to provide clean water, addressing the severe drought exacerbated by climate change. Their efforts, rooted in compassion and faith, aim not only to alleviate immediate water scarcity but also to address broader challenges like education and health care. This initiative is part of the beginnings of their mission to support and uplift marginalized communities in Kenya, promising a future of hope and resilience.

In Marereni, Kenya, a significant transformation is underway, signaling a new chapter for the community. Initiated by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, this shift goes beyond just supplying clean water; it embodies a deep commitment to caring for others, driven by the Sisters’ mission and faith. This effort showcases the power of compassion and teamwork. Moreover, it marks the start of the Sisters’ ongoing journey in Kenya, promising further positive changes.

At times in Kenya and throughout Eastern Africa, severe drought can make life very difficult. Climate change has played a part in making it worse. Climate scientists from around the world, known as World Weather Attribution, investigated how climate change affects the drought in this area. Their research showed that human actions changing the climate had increased the likelihood of droughts happening and made them harder to endure. Climate change contributes to the lack of rain in the region, making the most recent drought unusually harsh.

By examining weather records and using computer models to look back at weather patterns since the 1800s, scientists discovered the changes. They found that the season which used to bring a lot of rain, from March to May, started getting less rain. Meanwhile, the season that typically had less rain, from October to December, began receiving more. They also noted that because of higher temperatures, more water was evaporating from the ground and plants, which made the drought more severe.

Marereni’s groundwater is marred by high salt content, rendering it unfit for consumption. The local water supply faces challenges such as inadequate pressure, leaving these villages underserved. Among those impacted by the water-related challenges are the 200-plus students at St. Francis Assisi School, who sometimes endure days at school without a drop of water.

“Laudato Si,” Pope Francis’ encyclical, urges us to see Earth as a shared home that requires our respect and care. It teaches that environmental degradation harms the poorest most and advocates for a united approach to protect our planet, emphasizing the moral duty to act for future generations’ sake.

In Kenya, clean water is vital for families raising livestock. Beyond drinking and gardening, water supports the health and growth of chickens, goats, sheep, and cows. This essential resource ensures animals are hydrated, aids in their feeding, and maintains hygiene, directly impacting livestock productivity and family livelihoods.

During the last monsoon, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth made a significant impact in the community by installing one rainwater tank. This not only allowed them to collect and store rainwater but also to share the surplus with their neighbors. With this precious resource, they and their neighbors were able to irrigate portions of their lands, cultivate vegetables, and plant fruit trees, which might have been otherwise impossible due to water scarcity.

This act of sharing went beyond just providing water. It fostered a stronger sense of community and solidarity. By distributing both water and the fruits of their labor, the SCNs helped nourish their community in more ways than one, especially aiding those in greater need.

Now, the Sisters are expanding the project and will begin setting up water harvesting in the village of Marereni, which has faced many challenges. Access to clean water was a dream for many, with salty groundwater and unreliable rainfalls. The community struggled, with children at schools like St. Francis Assisi School often going thirsty and families unable to grow their own food. At times, the situation seemed bleak, with the cycle of water shortages, the recent harsh drought, and scarcity affecting every aspect of life.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth identified the critical need for more access to clean water. They saw that by collecting rainwater through tanks, they could make an immediate and lasting impact. With generous donations and a spirit of resilience, they will collaborate to set up tanks at strategic locations, ensuring that the school, their residence, and several homes can collect and store rainwater. The initiative is bringing relief and joy to the community, as children will soon be able to gardens once again.

The Sisters see this project as just the beginning of their mission in Kenya. They have only started to make their mark on helping the oppressed and marginalized. The water project, while it will be a significant achievement, is part of a larger vision to uplift and support the community in the ways that Sisters have been demonstrating for over 200 years. The Sisters plan to address other pressing needs, such as education, health care, and economic development, to empower the people of Marereni and beyond.

As the Sisters continue their work, they invite others to join them in this mission of compassion and change. The journey ahead is filled with challenges but also with immense potential for transformation. The community of Marereni, soon with greater access to clean water, stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when hearts and hands come together for a common cause.

This story of change in Marereni is not just about overcoming water scarcity; it is about laying the foundation for a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have begun their work in Kenya, but their vision extends far beyond the water tanks. They are here to make a lasting difference, and this is just the beginning.

With the support of the global community and a commitment to their mission, the Sisters are poised to continue making a profound impact on the lives of the oppressed and marginalized in Kenya. The journey ahead is promising, and the story of Marereni is a beacon of what is possible when compassion leads the way.

Kacie Emmerson
Source: https://nazareth.org/