They Laughed at My Dream of Becoming an Engineer – Here’s How I Proved Them Wrong

It’s 6 am, and the skies are still dark over Lwaboba East Village in the Bugisu subregion of Uganda. 9-year-old Rachel Mutenyo awakens, but not for school—at least not yet. As the eldest daughter, she shoulders the heavy burden of walking 6 kilometers each morning to fetch water for her mother and four younger siblings. Each step is a race against time, as she knows she might be late for class. Her teacher would not care in the slightest about why she would be tardy, even if it were for something as vital as water.

Rachel’s enthusiasm for her studies remained strong despite the hardships. One day, she confided in her mother about her dream of becoming an engineer. The others nearby, mocking Rachael’s audacity, erupted in laughter. At that time, becoming a female engineer was an unthinkable ambition, especially in a community that devalued girls’ education. However, Rachel quietly held onto her dream, determined to prove them wrong.

Fast-forward 26 years.?

Rachael, the once water-fetching girl hailing from a small rural community without access to clean and safe water, is today the Senior Engineer of Uganda operations at Innovation: Africa, one of the best African charities dedicated to providing sustainable solutions.

Early Life and Struggles

Rachel, who described herself as a “tomboy” growing up, was born in the Bugisu subregion of Eastern Uganda. The region is known for its unique cultural practices, including the circumcision of boys as a rite of passage into manhood starting at age 14. Even so, life in Bugisu was not easy, especially for women. “We were not even allowed to eat eggs or chicken because it was considered more for males,” Rachel explains.

Cultural restrictions severely limited women’s access to education and opportunities, while water scarcity exacerbated these challenges.

“Growing up, we had to walk miles to fetch water from open wells or rivers, a task that consumed a significant part of our day,” Rachel recalls. This daily struggle hindered her education and exposed her to numerous dangers, including health issues from carrying heavy water jugs/jerrycans and physical threats along the way, such as snake bites or the risk of sexual assault on the lonely, bush-covered paths.

Beyond this, Rachael faced financial struggles at home. At just six years old, she had to cope with her mother leaving an emotionally and physically abusive relationship—a memory that has stayed with her for life.

The Impact of Innovation: Africa

In December 2019, everything changed for Rachel and her ancestral village, Lwaboba. Having left to pursue her dreams of higher education, Rachel learned from her mother that Innovation: Africa had visited their village.

Innovation: Africa, renowned for being one of the best clean water charities, installed a clean water system, transforming the lives of Rachel’s family and fellow villagers. “When Innovation: Africa brought water to our village, it was like a dream come true,” Rachel says. The presence of clean water reduced water-borne diseases, which had made many ill, improved hygiene, and created new economic opportunities.

Soon after gaining access to clean water, the village women began to initiate small businesses. Vegetable farming, brick-making, soap-making, and beer brewing, which had previously been unfeasible due to water scarcity, became a reality. These economic activities not only improved their living standards but also empowered women, giving them a newfound sense of independence and dignity.

From Beneficiary to Advocate

Despite her afflictions growing up, Rachel did not relinquish her pursuit of education. With the support of her uncle, she studied at Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and largest institution of higher learning. She became one of the few women in her field, graduating with civil engineering and surveying degrees in 2010.

After Innovation: Africa brought clean water to her family’s village, Rachel soon discovered a job opening with our team for a local field water engineer and applied immediately. Within days, she received a phone call, completed an interview sharing how they had transformed her village, and was hired.

Rachel saw firsthand the transformative power of access to clean water and wanted to help other communities experience the exact positive change. “Joining Innovation: Africa was a way to give back to my community and help other villages experience the same transformation,” Rachel explains.

Rachel’s dedication also transcends her professional responsibilities. She often spends extra time with community members, for example, ensuring they comprehend the importance of hygiene. Her personal touch has made a significant difference, fostering a sense of stewardship and pride among the villagers.

Broader Implications and Future Aspirations

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and Innovation: Africa plays a crucial role in ensuring this right is met, having already provided clean water to over 5.3 million people across rural Africa. Donations to clean water charities like Innovation: Africa are not just important; they are indispensable. “Every time I see a village transformed by clean water, I see my story being lived repeatedly,” Rachel reflects. When individuals donate for clean water in Africa, they contribute to a cycle of positive change that extends far beyond the initial impact.

Rachel dreams of more people visiting Uganda to witness the impact of these projects firsthand. “Seeing the change with your own eyes can be a powerful experience. It can inspire more people to donate for water in Africa and support the ongoing efforts to bring sustainable solutions to these communities,” she says.

Call to Action

Rachel’s journey from a village girl grappling with water scarcity to an engineer creating impactful change exemplifies the transformative power of our mission at Innovation: Africa. Reflecting on her past, Rachel would tell her younger self: “Don’t worry, it gets better. People care, even if it seems like they don’t. Not everyone is looking the other way.”

Let Rachel’s story serve as a clarion call to support these vital initiatives and make a lasting difference in the lives of those most in need. By supporting our clean water projects, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for countless communities.?