Masinki is a village in the Serengeti District, a region well-known for the savannah and safaris. After traveling along the major road from Mugumu — a road comprised of dirt and stone flattened for driving — we turn onto a dirt path up a steep hill that was, in part, washed out by the rainy season. Our tires spun and we shifted into low 4X4 mode, slowly making our way up while keeping the tires out of the curvy, center ditch. At the top, we make our way past the small clinic and park near the well.

At the well site, we find a representative from the clinic, the local primary and secondary school, and members of the water committee. We learn that the well has had a major impact on the community. The primary school now has a water source for children to gather water on their way home, while the clinic now has a fresh source of clean water that improves even the simplest tasks, such as washing hands.

The water committee reports that over 2,000 community members benefit from the well, not counting the impact to the clinic and schools. Small farming opportunities made possible by such wells, such as the one shown just behind the wooden fence in the photo to the right, give the community an opportunity to raise funds.

A single well can have a wide-reaching impact on an entire community.

A mother uses the water pump during our visit. Her young child is carried on her back using a kanga cloth.