In the Kwazulu-Natal district of South Africa, Maye Village is home to 3,400 residents who face the daily challenge of accessing clean water. The water at the open source is extremely dirty. It is shared with cows, goats, and donkeys. Residents often must remove diapers and other trash from the river before collecting water. During the rainy season, the river’s current strengthens, creating a dangerous situation where children risk being swept away. Children suffering from diarrhea frequently miss school, impacting their education. Mothers, especially those who work, also miss workdays to care for sick children. Many families rely on social grants and cannot afford the cost of a single trip to the distant clinic, exacerbating their financial and social struggles. The illness burdens are profound, affecting families on multiple levels. Collecting water is particularly challenging for the women and girls of Maye Village. They walk long distances to reach the river, often needing several rests on the way back with heavy buckets. Upon returning home exhausted, they still face household chores like washing dishes, cleaning school uniforms, cooking, and helping with medications. The fatigue from these tasks leaves little time for schoolwork, severely impacting their educational performance.