A Reservoir of Hope in Terre Sel

by David-Kensley Saintil Saintilus | Jul 14, 2025 | Haiti, Water and Sanitation

In Terre Sel, a rural community in Haiti, the struggle for water once defined everyday life. For years, families depended solely on rainwater to survive. When the rain stopped and reservoirs ran dry, people walked dozens of kilometers just to find clean water. These exhausting treks stole time from education, risked lives, and left little energy for rebuilding livelihoods. Even basic hygiene—like handwashing—was often out of reach.

My name is Pastor Etienne Prospere, and as the head of the Terre Sel Wesleyan Church, I’ve lived through this hardship with my people. I’ve prayed with mothers desperate to soothe their thirsty children and watched as children missed school to help carry water for miles. Our community’s energy was consumed by a basic human need.

But then something changed.

In partnership with World Hope International (WHI) and a community of generous donors, a new reservoir was constructed. And with it came more than just water—it brought transformation.

Today, Terre Sel is no longer defined by drought. The reservoir captures and stores water from the rainy season, sustaining us through dry months. Our children now stay in school. They can wash their hands, and our schools promote better hygiene and wellness. Parents no longer live in fear of the next water crisis. Instead, they focus on farming, small businesses, and their families. Hope has returned, not as a dream—but as a daily reality.

This change has been nothing short of miraculous. With secure access to water, our dignity has been restored. What once seemed impossible is now a source of pride. And we know we’re not alone. We are strengthened by the global community that believed in us and invested in our future.

To all those who made this transformation possible—thank you. You did not just build a reservoir. You helped restore a community’s faith in tomorrow. On behalf of the people of Terre Sel, I pray God blesses you as richly as you’ve blessed us.

Your support is more than charity—it’s a living stream of hope.