One Donor, One Village, 758 Lives Changed Forever in Phembe Village
Phembe Village Well Project - Impact Dashboard
Phembe Village has clean water for the first time in its history. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of a single donor, 758 people in this Malawi community now have access to safe drinking water, ending their reliance on contaminated roadside muddy pits that threatened their health and lives.
This entire project was made possible by a single remarkable individual, Mrs. Reatha W., who chose to fully fund this life-changing project on her own. Her extraordinary compassion and generosity has transformed an entire village, bringing clean water to 758 people for approximately 75 years. One person, one decision, one village forever changed. We express our deepest appreciation and thanks for this incredible gift from Mrs. Reatha W. that will impact generations to come.
From Crisis to Clean Water
Before this well was installed, water scarcity in Phembe Village had reached a critical and life-threatening level. The 758 residents had no access to safe drinking water whatsoever. The only water available came from open muddy pits scattered along the roadside. These shallow, unprotected water sources were little more than muddy holes in the ground where families had to kneel to collect cloudy, contaminated water in buckets and containers.
The water was visibly dirty and unsafe for drinking, heavily contaminated with mud, debris, and animal waste. This area is prone to cholera and other waterborne diseases, presenting severe and immediate health risks to the entire community. The contaminated water sources posed a constant threat of deadly waterborne diseases, with particularly devastating consequences for vulnerable children and elderly residents.
Rapid Impact, Lasting Change
Fully funded at 100% of our goal on December 16, 2025, the well was drilled on January 9, 2026. This essential infrastructure now serves 758 people directly in their village, eliminating the need for residents to collect contaminated water from dangerous roadside muddy pits.
The water from this well is exceptionally clear, even for a newly drilled well. The concrete pad features a unique two-level round design that both looks great and functions excellently, keeping the well area clean and well-maintained.
Today, families in Phembe Village have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water year-round. The project has dramatically reduced the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases that threatened this community, fundamentally improving the overall health and well-being of all residents. Children now have more time for education, and families can focus on other essential activities rather than the dangerous task of collecting contaminated water.
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 took place on Friday, January 23, 2026, with Father Petros presiding over the ceremony. This marked the first time that Phembe Village has ever had access to fresh, clean water, a truly transformative gift for this community. Please keep Father Petros in your prayers as he continues his dedicated work serving the people of Malawi.
The Power of One
The Phembe Village Well Project demonstrates the extraordinary impact that a single dedicated individual can have when they choose to invest in a community in need. One donor saw a need and responded with compassion, forever changing the trajectory of this village's future. Mrs. Reatha W.'s decision to act has eliminated a health crisis and opened a future of possibility for 758 people. Her generosity will be felt by children yet to be born, who will grow up with access to clean water, something we too often take for granted.
A gallery of the well drilling, construction, and pump blessing images and videos from the Phembe Village Well Project are included below.