Life in her village in north-western Zimbabwe, wasn’t easy for Thandolwayo. Every morning she’d walk seven kilometres and risk being attacked by crocodiles as she collected clean water for her grandparents and family. Exhausted from hours fetching and carrying water, she’d then start her day at school.

Thandolwayo’s hope to be a nurse seemed almost impossible to realise, until Caritas Hwange helped the village install a solar-powered water system. It’s bringing new opportunities, new hope – and a chance for Thandolwayo to concentrate on her education and her future.

Caritas Australia partnered with Caritas Hwange to help the community to install two solar-powered pumps to draw the water up from the river, as well as two 10,000 litre storage tanks. Community participation in the project was overwhelming. Both men and women helped by digging and carrying stones, and water tanks. Thandolwayo’s grandmother also joined other villagers in participating in training in health and hygiene skills.

Now 16 years old, Thandolwayo  is flourishing at school and is on track of following her dream to become a nurse.