Sara Myers, WMO2H Executive Director
Published on the 26th of December, 2023
2023 has been a transformative year for WMO2H, and as the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the moments that have defined our journey. As the Executive Director, my responsibility is one that I grasp tightly to each and every day. But the true highlight of my year was an opportunity that changed my life forever — my first visit with our partner communities in Kenya.
This journey unveiled to me the impact of our work, not just as a leader, but as an individual deeply inspired by the stories and lives that shape our mission.
I spoke with a mother from a rural village named Jane who, before the water project, would spend six isolating hours each day collecting water. Now, she chooses to spend that time alongside other women in her community, making beaded jewelry to sell at their nearby market. I also listened to Samuel, a father and Maasai warrior, proudly share his communities’ plans to expand their vegetable and tree farm.
It was clear from these conversations that the intention of our organization was working; that by not forcing or imposing solutions, but by empowering communities with locally-led options, they were addressing their own, unique challenges and living lives of their own choosing.
Another aspect that struck me was the overwhelming feeling of pure, raw human connection. Standing in the vast openness of the Masai Mara, embraced by an entire village through song and dance - the warmest welcome I’ve ever received - I felt out of body. There is something so powerful about connecting with an entire community made up of complete strangers. These are people I’ve never met and couldn’t even communicate with through a shared language, living entirely different lives on the opposite side of the globe. Yet, we’ve been able to help them in a way that truly changes the trajectory of their lives.
And then I remind myself, we do know them. They’re daughters, sons, parents, entrepreneurs, teachers, nurses. It's our shared humanity that fosters such an instant connection. What sets us apart are the burdens they've been unfairly faced with.
Those are the burdens our programs chip away at. We know that investing in clean water and sustainable food systems alleviates suffering, relieving communities of tasks that no mother or child should ever have to endure.
The world’s water crisis - and its devastating effects - are huge, but they are solvable. Looking ahead to 2028, our goal is to provide 500,000 people with clean water and agriculture, and what we achieved in 2023 has propelled us further toward this vision.
I’m truly honored to be able to do this work each day, to work alongside the incredible communities we get to partner with. Your unwavering support in 2023 has allowed us to continue this work, and for that, I am so grateful. Together, we will help solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Thank you.
