Mama Fatma Chibole Swaleh has many feathers in her cap. She is a 48-year-old community organizer and the leader of a network of savings groups in Kisumu, Kenya. These savings groups are working to help poor families develop their financial capacity and gain confidence in tackling poverty in their own communities.
Mama Fatma also represents the residents of Nyalenda when they have concerns dealing with the Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company, which is the utility company responsible for water and sanitation services in Kisumu. 
She is not only a voice for the people, but also encourages her fellow community members and savings groups to take out their own WaterCredit loans for household water and sanitation connections through Water.org and their local partner, Pamoja Trust. She will also soon be a beneficiary of a WaterCredit loan and household water connection.
“In the past we have received loans to improve our businesses but never before did we imagine loans could be obtained for water connections,” Mama Fatma said. “The idea is revolutionary and the residents of our community cannot stop talking about it. Our children are excited about our household water connections. This will give the children time to do their homework instead of fetching water.”
“I especially love the fact that this project encourages the participation of women in the decision making. Women are part of the water teams and we are encouraging them to participate by applying for their own WaterCredit loan next quarter,” said Mama Fatma.
This story is part of our Giving Thanks: Story of the Day series that will run through the end of 2009. There are countless reasons to celebrate clean water and we want to bring you some of the first-hand accounts of its life-saving, life-changing impact for those we serve around the globe. We invite you to join us and give thanks, give water, give life.
