Derek and Brooke DeBoer, along with their three daughters visited TAASA Lodge in early 2023 and fell in love with the lodge, the wildlife, the people at TAASA, and the Ololosokwan Village. They felt instantly connected to all of it.

Brooke happened to pick up a copy of Doc Hendley’s book in the bookstore and devoured it upon returning home. She was moved and inspired by his story and the work of Wine To Water. As they poured over their pictures and shared their experience with friends, it became clear that they wanted to return to Tanzania and bring family and friends along too to see and feel what they had experienced.

They also wanted to help in some way, so they reached out to the Explore with Purpose team for some direction. It felt meant to be when the team at Explore with Purpose and Wine to Water returned with the invitation to spearhead the fundraising for the expansion of the water tap system in Ololosokwan and plan to bring water to the sub-villages of Mairowa. The DeBoers felt that the basic human need of water was a great place to start to make a difference and give back to the people for sharing their way of life with their family.

Access to clean and safe water has a significant impact on communities. It frees up time for women and children who would otherwise spend hours collecting water. With time freed up, women take more prominent roles in their communities, children focus on their education, and families engage in agriculture and other income-generating activities. Additionally, access to clean water reduces the incidence of waterborne illnesses, improving the overall health of communities.

The village of Mairowa does not have clean water access and people walk 5 – 6km to the spring in the neighboring village of Ololosokwan. This route is dangerous, and in 2020 people died while walking to get water.

Our goal is to provide the infustructure needed to provide the village of Mairowa with access ti clean water, within Mairowa.