In Swahili, vumilia means to endure, abide, tolerate, and be patient. But the word has a broader indication – to suffer alone. In Tanzania and worldwide, women learn to face their pain in silence and carry burdens alone. Does it breed strength and perseverance? Or does it cement the perpetuation of struggle? I believe the answer is both.

In one of my favorite Star Wars movies, the following words are spoken: “The empire wants us to believe we are alone in the dark. That’s how they win.” No matter what language you speak or what place you call home, when we stand together, there isn’t anything we can’t overcome.

A new gravel quarry was built in a region where one of our women’s teams is building rainwater tanks and greenhouses. While excavating the earth, it broke into the government water line. No one intends to fix it. The water delivered by this pipe was so highly contaminated with fluoride that it was toxic. But compared to the 13hour walk for water, people relied on it—even if there was no consistency in the delivery.

On most of the homes where rainwater harvesting tanks were built, ten new women would arrive every day begging for water. The homes with tanks are sharing their water, knowing they are depleting their supply. But they rely on the faith that the more they share the gift the rain has given them, the more the rain will continue to shower down. This tells us that the tanks have become vessels to stop suffering alone. It also drives home the need for more systems to be built on more homes because a decentralized water system is the only answer.

We are deeply thankful to share this journey with these brave, resilient women and, through your generosity, build a bridge away from vumilia and the need to suffer in solitude. Together, with donors like you, we can continue to create solutions that ensure no one is left alone in the dark. Your support is the cornerstone in this collective hope, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

With immense thanks,

Kelly Coleman

Save the Rain Executive Director

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