In July, Bread and Water for Africa® announced our intention to provide clean water for drinking, cooking, and washing not only to the orphaned and abandoned children and youth living at the Carilino Orphanage in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but for hundreds more in the surrounding community of Mont-Ngafula.
“Access to drinking water is a major challenge for the orphanage and the surrounding community of 500 inhabitants, due to the inefficiency of the urban network,” said Lucien Beele, executive director of our in-country partner there, Technologies Appropriées pour le Congo (TAC Asbl), at the time.
And today, we are pleased and proud to announce the completion of a project that included drilling a borehole, installing a 10,000-liter (2,642-gallon) storage tank, plumbing, piping, a solar pump and panels, a battery, an inverter, and more, which is benefiting a total of 1,750 individuals.
Lucien reported that the eight-week project began with the planning and preparation in consultation with local authorities and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Bergamo, who operate the Carilino orphanage, surveying the community to identify priorities as well as securing the necessary permits for well construction.
Upon receipt of the grant funding from Bread and Water for Africa®, Lucien and TAC Asbl procured essential materials, including the solar panels, pumps, pipes, and construction materials.
In the weeks that followed, a specialized company was contracted to drill the well, a solar-powered pumping system was installed, and infrastructure, such as water tanks and distribution systems, was put in place.
Once that work was done, the project was not fully completed until training sessions for community members and children at the orphanage on well maintenance and best hygiene practices, along with awareness campaigns to promote sustainable water use, were conducted.
Following that, Lucien reported that meetings were held with the beneficiaries to gather feedback and prepare evaluation reports to measure the project’s impact and identify any areas in need of improvement.
“This grant enabled the orphanage to meet critical needs in health, education, and economic self-sufficiency, while promoting environmental sustainability through the use of solar energy,” said Lucien.
He explained that the site was chosen due to the area’s limited access to drinking water, which affected the children at the orphanage and the hundreds of inhabitants in the surrounding neighborhood.
In addition to the provision of clean water, the well is also providing plenty of water for the orphanage’s farming operations, which Lucien told us that “regular irrigation has increased agricultural productivity, generating additional income for the orphanage.
“This has strengthened the orphanage’s financial autonomy and reduced its dependence on external donations.”
With the benefit of clean water, “children now spend more time on their studies and recreational activities instead of fetching water.
“A healthier and more stable learning environment has been created, fostering better academic performance and personal growth,” he said. “A significant reduction in cases of waterborne diseases was observed, confirmed by feedback from the sisters at the orphanage and community leaders.”
Sr. Catherine Bilepo of the Carilino orphanage told us that thanks to the generosity of the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® “our children now have access to clean drinking water – a true source of life and health.
“It is with immense joy and deep gratitude that we, on behalf of the Carilino Orphanage family, extend our heartfelt thanks for the invaluable gift you have granted us through the construction of a solar water well.”
Voices of the children:
Patrick, 9 – Before, I often had stomach aches because of dirty water. Now, I can drink without fear. Thank you so much!
Aline, 11 – When I see the water flowing, I think God loves us and sent you to help us.
Junior, 8, – Thanks to you we can go to school clean and healthy. Thank you for thinking of us.
“Each drop of water flowing from this well reminds us that beyond borders, there are hearts sensitive to the suffering of the most vulnerable,” adds Sr. Bilepo. “This gesture goes beyond infrastructure: it is a symbol of renewed hope and dignity.”
“You have lightened a tremendous burden and brought smiles back to children who, despite hardships, still dream of a better future. “
“May God bless your organization and all those who, through their generosity, sow seeds of hope in the hearts of children.”
