In Ghana's Ahafo region, as the sun rose over Nyamebekyere, a cocoa farming community in the Asutifi North District, casting a warm glow over the roofs and the lonely streets, Precious and Mahidi, two bright-eyed pupils of Asumura primary, were already up and about, preparing for another day of school. Struggle for water But before they could even think about going to school, they had to tackle the daunting task of fetching water from the distant stream. As they set off and walked through cocoa farms, their faces scrunched up in determination. They had done this countless times before, but it never got any easier. The distance to the water source was a killer, and every step felt like an eternity. But, despite their enthusiasm, the task of fetching water was a heavy burden. They knew that every minute counted and that they had to get back to school on time if they wanted to avoid being late, missing lessons, or getting punished. They quickened their pace, their feet pounding out a rhythm on the dusty p ath as they maneuvered through the cocoa trees. Effects on their schooling Water weighed on their faces as they returned to the house, including their mother, who led them to the stream. They had done it again-fetching water despite the distance before going to school. Feeling tired after a long walk by the stream was just the beginning of another long walk for the two girls. Getting to school located in Asumura is also another mile journey. Precious and Mahidi were not just ordinary girls; they were girls who refused to be held back by obstacles. Despite this struggle, Precious is looking forward to becoming a nurse, while Mahidi is eager to be a teacher. 'By the time we are done with our routine work and walks, there is no more energy left in us to learn,' Precious said. It is not surprising that their academic performances are declining with each passing moment, an obstacle that may prevent them from achieving their dreams. 'Each day we get to school late and miss some lessons. This is embarrassing, and I am feeling sad about it,' Mahidi said. 'Maybe if our community could be helped with a borehole, our case could get better a bit,' she added. 'What we have as water does not meet the definition of water we learnt in school. But we have no other option or the capacity to treat this water but use it in this form,' Precious said. According to their teacher, Prince Adade, Precious and Mahidi often come to school late and tired after a long walk to school. They don't just report to school late but also miss lessons. Access to safe water at their doorsteps could change a lot for these girls-a dream that Precious and Mahidi are looking forward to. Other strugglers They are among thousands of children in the Asutifi South and Asutifi North districts who lack access to safe water at their doorsteps. Trekking long distances is a routine duty for most children, especially those living in Gyasikrom, Nyamebekyere, and Tettehkrom, among other communities in the Ahafo region. This sometimes - discourages children from attending school. Hope from Conrrad Foundation Yet, amidst this despair, there is a flicker of hope. A Conrad Hilton Foundation-supported Ahafo Region Integrated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Programme ARIWP being implemented by World Vision Ghana and partners is igniting change and creating access to safe water in several communities, including Precious and Mahidi's Nyamebekyere community. 'Soon, these girls and boys will no longer trek long distances in search of water before going to school. As a child-focused organisation, World Vision Ghana and partners through ARIWP have begun developing small water systems to benefit over 71,400 children, women, and men in the Ahafo region. Out of this number, 13,500 people in the Asutifi North and 57,900 in Asunafo North would directly benefit from the intervention,' said Charles Waawula, ARIWP Project Manager at World Vision Ghana. ARIWP was designed to provide access to safely managed water systems in rural and peri-urban communities in this region, suppo rt water service providers to professionalize and improve service delivery through enhanced water service planning and management, support district water stakeholders to increase and sustain financing for water services through the establishment of financing mechanisms, and improve access to sustainable water services through the construction of new and rehabilitation of non-functioning water facilities. The programme is leveraging partnerships, building leadership, driving market-based approaches, and improving innovations and WASH models to deliver quality WASH services to communities, particularly children and women. Source: Ghana News Agency