Today is a blessing and tomorrow is no more than wishful thinking. We are not granted the joys of another day by default. Our life is a gift that must be cherished, and enjoyed. Think about what you have on a day to day basis. I think of my vehicle for transportation, internet to stay connected to the world, good food available for me at a moments notice, or even the luxury of a hot shower. Now think of what you need in day to day life. I’m not talking about the need to call your friends because you want to know whats happening in town later. Think of things that impact your health and well being everyday, but are often looked over due to their ease of access. When thinking of these everyday luxuries try and remember when you last experienced the crippling sensation of hunger. A hunger so fierce the craving for nourishment pushed you to steal what was not given, or scavenge through anything to find the smallest of crumbs to silence the pain. imagine water being so scarce it might as well be a fragment of your imagination. Now think of the world and realize that there are individuals without the luxuries we depend on so much.
This photo was taken at Mayara school in Namibia. This faucet is a clean source of water for the children. Many improvements should be made, but with little resources, and money to do so children, and adults must utilize what they have.
Access to clean water is something that can easily be taken for granted. It’s not wrong to take hour-long showers, or forget to be conscious about how much water we use in a day. It’s not something that occurs to you if it is always readily available. I ask though for you to try and think of those who must consider where, when, and how they will come across clean water. Most of the moisture in Namibia comes from the Indian Ocean, and spreads from the northeastern region of Namibia to the southwestern portions of the country. Those who live in the southern Regions of Namibia can experience droughts that last over 2 years. With droughts such as these, constant pressure is placed on the Namibian farmers. Without adequate access to water commercial and communal farmers have harder and harder times using irrigation methods. There are four perennial rivers in Namibia. perennial rivers are rivers that are constantly flowing during both the dry and wet seasons.
This photo was taken during sunset along the Zambezi River.
The first of these rivers is the Kunene River that flows in the northwestern region of the country. Next is the Kavango River which flows in the northeastern region along with the third, the Zambezi River. Lastly there is the Orange River which is in the southern region of the country. These rivers are essential to life for the inhabitants surrounding the river. For those without access to perineal rivers they must rely on alternative methods to gain access to water. One such method is the drilling of boreholes. Boreholes are drilled deep enough into the ground to reach water. Being conscious of how much water is available, and being used, is not an uncommon mindset here in Namibia. Lives are changed significantly each and every day by the challenges presented from not having access to clean water. When there is little water to drink there are few crops to be grown. When there are few crops to be grown there are more people without food.
This is the Kuiseb River. This picture illustrates how dry the ground is in the rivers that are not constantly flowing.
Understanding the issues people in Namibia face regarding natural resources, is key to finding solutions for them. During my stay here in Namibia I often wondered how I could make a positive impact on some of the issues that plague this country. I don’t have the resources to make a significant change but one day I hope to be in a position where I can. For now I have my camera, and my blog. I will tell the story of the Namibian people as best as I can, and increase awareness in hopes that one day others along with myself can come together and make a difference. Today is a blessing, and my wish for tomorrow is the ability to bless someone else.
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