Mchilawengo Village: From 12-Foot Pit To Fresh Water
Mchilawengo Village Well Project - Impact Dashboard
Mchilawengo Village has clean water for the first time in its history. Thanks to the incredible generosity of 17 donors, 670 people in this Malawi community now have access to safe drinking water, ending their reliance on one of the most dangerous water sources we have ever encountered: a 12-foot deep pit that children and adults had to physically climb into to collect contaminated water.
This project was made possible by 17 generous donors who believed in the mission of Water of Mercy. We want to especially recognize our friend and donor Christine R. from the US, whose extraordinary generosity funded almost 20% of this entire well. Her compassion has helped transform an entire community.
We also extend deep gratitude to donor Jörg P. from Germany, whose faithful support of Water of Mercy continues to inspire us. With an astounding 21 donations to date, Jörg P. exemplifies the kind of sustained commitment that makes lasting change possible. This unwavering dedication has helped bring clean water to multiple villages, including Mchilawengo, Khorwa, Kajombo, Msese, Luwerezi, Zebediya, and Msambanyifwa.
Special thanks also to friend and donor Greg A. from the US, who has now donated 3 times to Water of Mercy, demonstrating continued faithfulness to this mission. His generosity has helped bring clean water to Mchilawengo, Kajombo, and Emvuyane.
Together, all of our donors exemplify how sustained generosity can transform entire communities, one well at a time.
From Crisis to Clean Water
Before this well was installed, water scarcity in Mchilawengo Village had created one of the most dangerous water access situations we have ever encountered. The only available water source was a 12-foot (4-meter) deep open pit that children and adults had to physically climb down into to access water. Residents crouched at the bottom of this steep, unstable earthen pit, scooping muddy water with small cups into buckets and containers.
The pit walls were dangerously steep, making the descent and ascent hazardous, especially for children and elderly residents. The water collected from the bottom was visibly contaminated with mud and debris. This area is prone to cholera and other waterborne diseases, putting learners and teachers at the nearby primary school at constant health risk along with the rest of the community.
Rapid Impact, Lasting Change
Fully funded at 100% of our goal on December 31, 2025, the well was drilled just 18 days later on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The drilling process continued well into the night, with the team working under lights to complete the installation (check out the adjacent video). The drilling operation showed signs of a very good reserve of water, ensuring abundant clean water for the community year-round.
Today, more than 670 people, including children and staff at the nearby primary school, have access to clean, safe drinking water directly in their village. The elimination of the dangerous daily ordeal of climbing into a 12-foot deep pit means children now have more time for education and families can focus on other essential activities. School children now have access to clean water during the school day, supporting better health outcomes and improved educational attendance. The project has dramatically reduced the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases that threatened this community, while removing the physical danger that residents faced every day.
The village will establish a maintenance committee to care for the well, and with proper management, this vital resource should serve the community for approximately 75 years.
Pump Blessing
The pump blessing and official handover took place on Monday, January 27, 2026, with Father Petros presiding over the ceremony. Approximately 500 people attended this beautiful and colorful celebration, including ~365 school children, 5 traditional chiefs, the Ward Councillor (local politician), school committee members, teachers' staff, and representatives from the Church. Several speakers addressed the gathering, marking this tremendous milestone and turning point of hope for the entire community. This was the first time that Mchilawengo Village has ever had access to fresh, clean water, a truly transformative gift. Please keep Father Petros in your prayers as he continues his dedicated work serving the people of Malawi.
The Power of Community Support
The Mchilawengo Village Well Project demonstrates the incredible impact that can be achieved when donors from around the world unite around a common cause. Seventeen individuals, from faithful supporters in Germany to generous friends across the United States and beyond, saw one of the most dangerous water situations we have encountered and responded with compassion, forever changing the trajectory of this village's future. You have given the gift of health and safety to over 670 people and to generations yet to be born. Never again will children in school uniforms have to crawl into a dangerous pit for water.
A gallery of the well drilling, construction, and pump blessing images and videos from the Mchilawengo Village Well Project are included below.