Brushing back her neon yellow lafaya, Salouakatteer solemnly describes life in Amkharouba, a village in the rural Sila Region of Eastern Chad.
Located close to one and a half hours from the nearest water source – both the land and the people of Amkharouba are dehydrated.
Describing her daily activities, Salouakatteer explains that “the water we are getting is very far from here”.
Often, she spends the majority of her morning on donkey back traveling to and from the water collection site – an old well.
“I go every day, unless sometimes my brother or sisters go instead. The water we are getting is not clean,” Salouakatteer tells me.
Though unsure of her age, Salouakatteer appears to be around ten years old. No matter, she is old enough to know that people in her village are dying from hunger and a lack of clean, accessible drinking water.
Referring to her six siblings Salouakatteer says, “We eat one to two times a day. Yes, we are hungry everyday – sometimes we even cry.” She solemnly recalls a few people in Amkharouba who have died from such causes.
Thanks to private donors who have committed to three years of support, the people of Amkharouba are working alongside World Concern to establish what many of us would consider as basics: accessible clean water, agricultural empowerment, hygiene awareness, and education.
Though Salouakatteer’s childhood may have been cut short by her surrounding environment, she is clearly still a child at heart.
“School is far from here so no one attends. But I want to learn about what kids learn about in school.”
Just the mention of education reveals a bashful grin on Salouakatteer’s previously stoic face.
“I’m hoping that one day we can get water and a school and food to eat every day.”
