Wings of Hope Rescue Home was founded in 2016, to stand as a place of safety and healing for young girls under 17 who have been sexually assaulted in homes where they ought to have been cared for and protected. The home, which now shelters 28 teenage mothers and their 25 children, offers physical refuge and a chance for education, skills training, and much-needed peace and security. We recently visited them to sort out one essential part of daily life that could potentially risk the girls’ and babies' health: clean, safe drinking water.
Wings of Hope isn’t just a place for shelter—it’s a community where girls can rebuild their lives. Led by a dedicated team, the home equips the girls with skills like tailoring, cooking, and other vocational training to prepare them for brighter futures. The success stories are inspiring: one of the girls is now in her third year of university, and many others are pursuing education and vocational paths that will give them independence and stability.
The Water Challenge at Wings of Hope
The home has two main water tanks; one holding salty borehole water for cleaning, and another storing rainwater for drinking and cooking. The rainwater is also unreliable, and the home often buys water from the local water bowsers. The source of this water is unknown. With no reliable filtration system, the drinking water is only sometimes safe. In the case of a sewage burst or any other issues, the water can be contaminated leading to potential health risks. The need for clean water became critical, especially with nearly 60 people relying on these tanks daily, including the girls, their children, and staff. Although the home uses basic water purification methods, it isn’t enough to ensure safe drinking water for all.
Installing the water filter
We noticed that they did not have a raised tank during our pre-visit. This will present a challenge during installation as our filters are gravity-fed and work best when the tank is raised at least two metres off the ground. However, not to be deterred, we opted to research and come up with an innovative way to install the water filter and push water through it using an electric pump. We knew that if this worked, it would allow several homes and schools to get the water filter and enjoy safe drinking water.
We are pleased that the water filter worked very efficiently even with this new method and now the occupants of the home enjoy safe drinking water. This change is a game-changer for the health and well-being of the girls, allowing them to focus on their education and future without the constant worry of unsafe water.
Post installation, the Maji Zima Technician conducted training for the main home caretaker, a few of the girls as well as the Director of the home, Mr Irwin. We believe that taking care of the water filter well, ensuring the pre-filter is cleaned at least twice a week and conducting regular backflashes will ensure the water filter serves the home for a long time and the home will have no issues with waterborne diseases.
Join Us in Giving Hope
The successful installation of the water filter is a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. Wings of Hope has access to clean, safe water, but their journey isn’t over. The home continues to rely on the generosity of individuals and organizations to meet their daily needs, from food and clothing to medical supplies. By contributing to Wings of Hope, you’re not only providing resources but also giving these girls a chance to build their futures. Every donation, whether financial or in-kind, helps strengthen the community and ensures that the girls have everything they need to thrive.
If you feel inspired, you can also reach out to us as a partner to help us solve the issue of safe drinking water in a school, home or community centre near you. The children are the future of tomorrow and as many as we can help to access safe drinking water we are happy to help.
