From the final report submitted by the Recipient

Tell us about your project.

The Thaka Banna Water Scarcity Response Project aimed to create access to safe and reliable water for the local school and the surrounding community. Through the installation of a solar-powered borehole system, a 10,000-litre JoJo feeder tank mounted on a 6-metre steel stand, and supporting infrastructure, the project now produces approximately 34,560 litres of clean water per day. This intervention has directly benefited more than 400 learners ages 6 to 15, as well as the teaching and support staff at the school. An estimated 1,200 residents from the villages where the school is situated and nearby villages now have access to clean water for drinking, hygiene, and daily use. The project has significantly enhanced health, sanitation, and community well-being while fostering long-term sustainability through local management structures.

Did this grant make a difference in how you see gratitude?

Yes, this grant greatly deepened our understanding of gratitude. It reminded us that true appreciation goes beyond words of thanks; it is shown through stewardship, accountability, and the lasting impact of the work that has been achieved. Through the Thaka Banna Water Scarcity Response Project, we saw how generosity can change lives, restore dignity, and strengthen communities. This turned the church into an urgent call to act, bringing visible blessings for all, not just the congregation. The clean water now flowing daily is not only thanks to funding but also to trust, partnership, and shared vision. It has encouraged us to value every contribution, no matter how small, as a seed that can grow into extraordinary change. Essentially, this experience has transformed our sense of gratitude into a steadfast commitment to care for what has been entrusted to us, to support others, and to ensure that the outcomes of this grant continue to benefit the community for years to come.

What was the best thing that happened as a part of this grant award?

Beyond meeting immediate needs, the project has strengthened local ownership by establishing a water committee and improving collaboration between the diocese, school, and nearby villages. This initiative has not only provided reliable water but also fostered community resilience and shared responsibility for long-term sustainability. We continue to be profoundly grateful to UTO for facilitating such a transformative and extensive impact.

School Principal Malerato Ntsane shared: “The days when our children had to study without lunch because of a lack of water are now behind us. Students no longer lose valuable learning time walking long distances to fetch water. With improved food security, we can consistently meet the nutritional needs of our learners. We also anticipate that the regular provision of food parcels to support impoverished families will strengthen the role of the school and church in the community and may attract additional members to the church. This initiative has greatly enhanced student welfare and provided hope for sustained development.”

Church Member Mats’episo Khongoana shared: “The members of our congregation are deeply grateful to the church leadership, Her Lordship Dr. Vicentia Refiloe Kgabe, the North Archdeacon (Ntate Likhang), and the Parish Priest (Ntate Khoza) for addressing the fundamental needs of remote and smaller churches like ours. This support has not only fulfilled immediate needs but has also considerably strengthened our trust in the church’s leadership. We are confident that other challenges facing our community will be met with the same dedication and care, surpassing our expectations and fostering hope for the future.”