A rural community in Malawi has been central to the development of WaterAid’s new campaign film launched last month, which was made in line with the charity’s pioneering approach to foster a collaborative approach to storytelling.
WaterAid worked with Kenyan production company Ginger Ink, and together they established a rapport with the community over several months, hearing people’s stories off-camera then co-developing the script and the storyboard, ensuring the accuracy of the content while upholding the dignity of those involved.
The film for the ‘Where there’s water’ appeal highlights the ripple effect of clean water and the harmony of the choir, which consists mostly of children who are not only raising their voices, but also money for the community.
However, less than half the children in the area have water at home and are unable to join the popular choir as they have to collect water, which isn’t even clean, for their families. Through the ‘Where there’s water’ appeal, WaterAid will work alongside this community and many more, to help families get clean water so more children will have the time to learn, play and sing.
Merifa, 15, said:
“Because we know that the water is near our home, we can go draw water and still have enough time to make our samosas and also go for choir practice. We go to choir practice three days a week. We really love it and we learn a lot.”
Merifa’s best friend Rachel lives in a neighbouring village and goes to the same school, where the two are inseparable. However, she is unable to attend the choir with her friend because her time is spent collecting dirty water for her family.
Choirmaster Rodrick, who also lacks water at home, said:
“When you are singing, you need water; when you are sick, you need water. Water is very important.”
Keen to represent everyone in the film in a respectful and mindful way, David Jobanputra, WaterAid’s Film Producer, said:
“As an anthropologist, having the opportunity to make our winter campaign film in such a symbiotic way was inspirational. Our film reflects a real collaborative process with the community, and by harmoniously working together, we’ve created on a film that is accurate and engaging.
“The choir’s dream is for their music to be heard far and wide, so that people everywhere can see the beauty and joy that comes from having clean water.”
One in ten people globally do not have clean water close to home. As a result, families, usually women and girls, spend hours a day collecting water. Without clean water, diseases like cholera and typhoid can be fatal – but with clean water comes potential for communities to thrive. Where there’s water, there’s health, joy, childhood, and possibility.
To help turn on the taps in Chinganji and in communities around the world, support ‘Where there’s water’ at wateraid.org.