Daniel's Story: Clean Water Brings Hope to Remote Villages in Sierra Leone

ALICT Class of 2010

In the remote communities of Sierra Leone, a stark reality confronts its residents: the scarcity of clean drinking water. The dry season exacerbates this problem, as shallow water sources dry up, leaving residents with scarce options. Daniel Kanu, pastor and evangelist, and his team discovered this harsh reality in Makondo village during one of their outreaches. Makondo village is based in the Makarie Chiefdom, Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone.

Makondo village, with 74 houses and a population of approximately 720 people, mainly consisting of children and youths of school-going age, is a predominantly Muslim community. Despite efforts by various denominations to establish a church in the village, the community has resisted, holding strong to their faith. Their team, however, sought to connect with the community through a different approach – addressing their pressing need for clean water.

The village had a well, but it had been abandoned for over 15 years. Daniel brought in an expert to assess its potential rehabilitation, and the outcome was positive. With the community’s commitment to providing local materials and our promise to cover the remaining costs, the team set out to revive the well. However, funding posed a significant obstacle even though Daniel committed to cover the cost.

God intervened when he, shortly after the agreements with the village people, discovered the ITL-ALICT Grant Program for ALICT alumni. Daniel applied for the grant, and to his delight, it was approved. The rehabilitation project began, and a few months later, the community had access to clean and pure drinking water. A luxury, no – an essential for life, they had to manage without for too long.

This success sparked more water well missions over 3 years. Daniel and his team constructed ten water wells in seven communities, transforming lives and providing a basic human right: clean water. In N’Dendenhun village, a generous donor (chosen to stay anonymous) enabled them to build a well, replacing a dirty water source that was shared with animals. The villagers had been forced to use this contaminated water for drinking and domestic purposes, posing significant health risks. With the new well, they now had access to clean, pure, and safe drinking water throughout the year.

Their journey continued in Masantegie village, where the water situation was dire. The villagers had been drinking from a source that was, without exaggeration, one of the worst Daniel had ever seen. The sight was heart-wrenching, but his determination to make a difference only grew stronger.

By applying Daniel’s knowledge of water wells and community transformation concepts he gained from ALICT, they were able to bring clean water to this community as well. The lack of clean water in Sierra Leone’s rural communities is a persistent problem, exacerbated by government neglect and corruption. However, thier experience demonstrates that collaboration and determination can bring hope and transformation. As he continues their mission to provide clean water to those in need, they are reminded that even in the most challenging contexts, transformation is possible. One well at a time, they make a difference.
Daniel Kanu, alumni of ALICT class 2010, is actively involved in community transformation initiatives in the remote villages of Sierra Leone as a pastor and evangelist. He and his team travel far and wide to reach these communities, applying what he has gained from his time at the ALICT program: “Having the community involved in identifying their acute need, having them involved in all major decision-making, and having them fully participate in implementing the project that solves the problem. This helps them take ownership of the project and what it accomplished.” Daniel is also actively involved in projects on education, growing local churches and expanding the Kingdom of God to other unreached communities.

To reach people of every town and village, teaching them how to become disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, baptizing them by the authority of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to obey everything written in scripture.

Preaching the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the poor and neglected communities. Providing effective training for Pastors, other church leaders and different categories of church groups in remote communities.