Our Water and Sanitation program continues to make a significant difference in the lives of students in rural Malawi. Read our latest blog to learn about how we support hygiene initiatives in primary schools in Dowa, Malawi.
Madzi ndi Moyo: Water is Life

“Madzi ndi Moyo,” says Chief Kuliyani.
Water is life.
It is no wonder that humans across cultures have spiritual rituals connected to this life-giving resource. Water is the source and reason for baptisms, dances, songs, prayers, and pilgrimages. 71% of our planet’s surface is covered with water. Over 50% of our human bodies are made of water. Water quenches our thirst, grows our crops, and cleans our hands.
But safe drinking water isn’t accessible to everyone in the world.
According to a report by USAID, about 4 million people in Malawi still lack access to clean water.
In Kuliyani Village in Central Malawi, Melina Maiko reflects on the gift of water.
For all of Melina’s life, her community was prone to waterborne diseases due to lack of safe drinking water.
“We used to drink water from this pump,” she says. “Women would get here in small groups for safety since the place is bushy and scary.”

They walked 2.5 kilometers away in search of water. Once they gathered the water, they had to carry it home. This cost them time in the fields, at home, or at school.
“During the dry season,” Melina says, “we were forced to drink unsafe water. The safe water source was too far away. As a result, diarrhea was the order of the day, especially in our kids.”
In May of 2022, Orant's WASH Program drilled a new borehole in Melina's community, benefitting an estimated 300 people.
WASH Program Manager Mayamiko Mwenda says, “We strive to reduce the morbidity and mortality that results from poor sanitation and unsafe water.”
“The gift of water means life to me and my people,” says the village chief.
“Now our kids are healthy and happy,” says Melina.

Thanks to funds from donors, Orant Charities Africa drills new boreholes, repairs and maintains boreholes, provides WASH training, and equips communities with sanitation information.
Learn more about Orant’s Water Program here.
The Orant Journal
A Water Problem is a Life Problem: Interview with Yona Maloto
Yona Maloto has been a Water Field Assistant for Orant's Water & Sanitation Program since 2020. We interviewed him to learn more about his work.
Water is an Issue of Gender
Clean water is a gendered issue in Malawi. Women and girls bear the brunt of the water burden. Malita Chimbalame tells her story.
Making Clean Water Accessible in Malawi
Orant makes clean water accessible in rural Malawi by drilling and maintaining boreholes. In 2021, Orant drilled 15 new boreholes.
Reimagining Hygiene for Every Pupil
Poor sanitation and hygiene are major contributors to the burden of disease and school dropouts in rural schools and communities in Malawi.
Measuring Water Levels with Solinst
Orant received the Solinst Water Meter only a few weeks ago but is already putting it to use in the Water & Sanitation Program.
The Power of Community Leadership in Malawi
Agatha’s community mobilization inspires us at Orant. With leadership like hers, sustainable change in Malawi is possible.
Community Based Water Management in Malawi
Community Based Management gives Malawi communities resources to manage their water. More players, like Orant, are also needed for success.
WASH in Malawi
What is WASH? What is a WPC? And what make a latrine improved? Orant Charities Africa answers these and more questions about WASH in Malawi.
Improving Sanitation in Malawi with Latrines
Orant's Water & Sanitation Program builds an improved pit latrine for girl learners at Chilinkholi Junior School in Central Malawi.