LOCALadk Magazine

In 2019, the World Health Organization and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund noted that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide have no access to drinkable water. Of the 1.2 billion people who live in Africa, 400 million live without access to clean water, most drinking straight from surface-level sources. Every day, 1,800 children die from water-related diseases—1.2 million deaths yearly. Two hundred million contract illnesses like typhoid and cholera. e deaths of nearly 400,000 children a year could be avoided if we simply addressed this one problem. Hope Rising chooses to focus on that one problem, trusting it will have a lasting impact over time. Situated four hours from Freetown, the country's capital, lies the Hope Rising campus, where 60 Leonians are empowered through a partnership that provides clean water, sustainable agriculture, education, and healthcare throughout the community. It is the hub for mobilizing those resources. In Sierra Leone, the vicious cycle of poverty leaves its children particularly vulnerable. Malnutrition, lack of clean water, physical abuse, hard labor, and other difficult living conditions plague those young lives, offering little opportunity for education or hope for a better future. For this reason, Hope Rising provides meals and schooling five days a week to hundreds of local children. Monday through Friday, nearly 600 students come to the campus to receive education and nutrition. In a country where just about one in three kids goes to school (most not making it past fih grade), Hope Rising is defying the odds. Teachers and staff provide inspired curricula and lifestyle examples—building up and leading the next generation to a better future, a future filled with hope. at hope then spreads to their families and villages. One of Hope Rising's main priorities is establishing freshwater wells. Since its founding, it has built more than 150 of them, positively affecting the lives of more than 50,000 villagers. When Hope Rising puts a well in a village, it is drilled by trained villagers, making it a community effort. Supporting this effort empowers the community. Donations ensure the continued flow of clean water daily, via wells worked by local people. is journey has changed me. Simply living is no longer enough. I need to do more, to be someone who impacts the world for the better. roughout my trip, I documented what Hope Rising is doing in the villages of Sierra Leone. I encourage readers to take the time to check out my 30-minute film "Sierra Leone." Even amid great tribulation and deprivation, the people of Sierra Leone remain hopeful and strong. To learn more about this trip or to see more of Jonathan's work, find him on Instagram or YouTube at @JonathanZaharek. You will also find his work on his website: www.jonathanzphotography.com. changed me. Simply living need to do more, to be the world for the better. LOCALadk 19

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