Meet Hendrix
Driving Safe Water Solutions in Zambia
Hendrix joined ECHO in the hopes of growing personally, but in doing so, he’s helped bring change to entire communities by delivering safe water, sanitation and hygiene education (WASH) programmes bringing a direct impact on health, education and the future. Safe water means fewer waterborne diseases, lower healthcare costs, more children in school (especially girls), and more time for families to farm, earn, and thrive.
“Our integrated WASH project has changed lives. People can now farm year-round, which improves food security and allows families to sell excess crops for income. Children have schoolbooks, and with lights across villages, they can study at night.”
Hendrix
Through our District Wide Plans (DWPs), Hendrix and the ECHO team are working alongside local councils to reach 100% WASH coverage in two districts in Zambia. It’s a partnership built on local knowledge and collaboration, and together, we aim to:
- Improve health and wellbeing
- Increase the quality of education
- Support enterprise
- Create opportunities
- Promote equity and inclusion
- Ensure accountability
But it hasn’t been easy. Water sources are drying up, and Hendrix has seen the effects of climate change firsthand. “The water table is dropping. It’s been getting worse for years,” he explains.
He says community engagement is key to success.
“Giving the community responsibility for the projects often brings the best results.” Communities have also shared ideas, like adding channels to collect wastewater so it can be reused for animals, helping make the project more sustainable.
Despite logistical challenges, like poor accessibility during the rainy season, Hendrix remains committed continuing to lead with resilience and purpose to ensure Village Water and ECHO’s WASH initiatives deliver access to safe water and brighter futures across Zambia.
