For many of us, getting a glass of clean water is as simple as turning on a tap. But in Malawi, a significant portion of the population lacks access to safe drinking water – and the Gospel.
According to UNICEF, around 61% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water nationwide. Waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid are a constant threat.
However, amidst these challenges, a powerful story of change emerges. Thanks to compassionate donors, You Turn has been on the front lines in 2025, bringing life-giving water and the Gospel to rural villages. We’ve completed 22 new well projects and 64 well repairs this year alone.
One of our most impactful repairs was at Mulira Primary School. In a village with 25 households, the school serves 1,282 students. When the village well’s pump broke, the students were forced to walk a distance of 7.5 football fields (over half a mile) to fetch unsafe water from a contaminated source. Staff and students began suffering from related digestive issues.
Thankfully, our team was able to respond and repair the well. The results were dramatic. A teacher at the school reported that since the repair, the children are healthy again. This single well repair has not only restored the students’ health but also their time, energy, and ability to focus on their studies.
Just like the impact of the Gospel supersedes spiritual health, the effect of clean water extends far beyond physical health. It means:
- More time for education: Children, who are often burdened with the task of fetching water, can now spend more time in school.
- Reduced risk of disease: Access to safe water and sanitation is the first and best defense against deadly outbreaks.
- Economic empowerment: With a reliable water source, communities can improve hygiene and even engage in small-scale farming to grow a wider variety of crops, safeguarding against food shortages.
The journey to providing better access to clean water in Malawi is long, but it is a journey we are making together, one well at a time. The story of Mulira Primary School is a testament to the power of a single repair and the incredible generosity of people who are making a real difference in the lives of children and communities.
