Meet The Everyday Heroes Sustaining Change in Irimya

Clean water is flowing through the hills of Irimya.

But the real story?

It’s not just about the taps—it’s about the people who keep them flowing.

Behind every pipe laid and every system maintained is a network of local champions: teachers, parents, young leaders, and volunteers who have stepped up to ensure this transformation lasts long after the construction ends.

In fact,

Here are a few of the unsung heroes of the Irimya Phase II WASH Project.

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Samuel: The Water Guardian

Role: Member of the Ibanda Project Water User Committee

Village: Rwenzigye

Meet Samuel, one of the driving forces behind Irimya’s sustainable water access. As a core member of the Water User Committee—now formally registered as a Community-Based Organization (CBO)— he helps coordinate system maintenance, monitor tap functionality, and collect community contributions for upkeep.

“We did not have access to clean water in our villages and now that we have it, it’s upon us to keep it for now and the generations to come.”

Thanks to training in leadership and financial literacy, Samuel now helps troubleshoot problems before they grow—ensuring that water flows for all 845 households.

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Emily: The Gardener

Role: Life Garden participant / Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) member

Village: Irimya

Meet Emily—one of the inspiring women leading a new wave of financial resilience in Irimya. Through her involvement in the Life Gardens project, Emily not only learned how to grow nutritious, income-generating crops, but she also joined a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) formed through the project’s community training efforts.

Today, Emily grows and sells surplus vegetables—and for the first time, she has reliable access to small loans when she needs them most, like covering school fees during planting season.

“Before, I used to struggle to get school fees during planting season. But now, with our group savings, I can take out a loan, pay for school, and repay once I sell my produce.”

Her story is a powerful example of how access to clean water, education, and financial tools are working together to strengthen families across Irimya.

💡 Did You Know?

Behind every flowing tap are thousands of helping hands.

3,000 unique individuals volunteer with Acts for Water projects
Each person volunteers 8 times on average
Every visit lasts around 4 hours

That’s 96,000 total volunteer hours invested in building clean water systems that last.

Local ownership. Deep commitment. Real impact. 💧

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Boaz: The Educator

Role: Deputy Headteacher at local school

Village: Kitooma

Boaz has helped transform Kitooma COU Primary School into more than a place for learning—it’s now a space of hygiene, dignity, and health. After the installation of tap stands and latrines, he led the charge to integrate handwashing into daily routines and support menstrual hygiene for girls.

“Now, students carry water from home, handwashing is a routine practice, and school management actively supports WASH programs.”

Absenteeism has dropped. Pride has grown. And thanks to leaders like Boaz, hygiene is now part of every child’s education.

Local Leadership, Lasting Change

These are just a few of the everyday heroes making Irimya’s transformation sustainable. With support from Acts for Water and the commitment of their own communities, these heroes are proving that true change is never just delivered—it’s led from within.

Thank you for standing with them—and for believing in partnership over charity, people over projects, and transformation that lasts.