Dorothy's Story (Uganda)

Uganda Scouts for Safe Water Project

Thanks to your support, access to clean, safe water is no longer out of reach for thousands of people across Uganda.

In many rural communities, families have long faced the daily burden of walking long distances to collect water — often from unsafe sources — at the cost of young people's health, education, and household income.

Today, that reality is beginning to change.

Through the Uganda Scouts for Safe Water Project in 2025, you helped bring clean water closer to home. Driven by their commitment to service and local action, Mercy Scouts constructed six protected spring wells in some of the country’s most overlooked communities.

Funded through the Scout Donation Platform and building on the success of earlier initiatives which impacted over 6,000 people in 2024, this renewed effort not only delivered essential infrastructure; it empowered young people to lead sustainable, community-driven change.

The impact of your support can be felt in thousands of lives. One of them is Dorothy’s.

Dorothy's Story

Growing up in Eastern Uganda, Dorothy’s childhood was defined by hardship. She was often sick, weakened by various waterborne diseases.

Each day, she walked nearly two kilometres to fetch water, only to return with water that was dirty and unsafe, but the only option her family had. The journey was exhausting. It left her little time or energy for school. She arrived late, struggled to keep up, and her performance suffered.

Over time, the weight of it all — illness, distance, and fatigue — began to take its toll.

Then, things began to change, thanks to Scout supporters like you.

After a successful fundraising campaign on the Scout Donation Platform, Scouts came to Dorothy's community and built a protected well.

For Dorothy, it felt like an answer to her prayers.

With clean water just steps from home, the long walks stopped. Her health improved. She began attending school regularly, able to focus, learn, and participate.

But what stayed with her most was not just the clean water. It was the example. Inspired by the Scouts who transformed her community, Dorothy chose to become one of them.

As a Scout, Dorothy found purpose. She now helps clean and maintain wells, takes part in environmental conservation through tree planting, and works alongside others to improve life in her community.

She also gained vocational skills, learning to make bracelets, wristbands, and bottle designs. These provide her and her family with an income. Through this, she can help pay her school fees and support her family’s essential needs.

You can even find some of these bracelets at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland.

“The best part of being a Scout”, she says, “is working together with others to serve the community and impact other people.”

Because of you, Dorothy is no longer walking long distances in search of water.

And she is helping ensure others don’t have to.

Her story is no longer just one Scout's story. It is a ripple of hope in her community.