Image: Resham with her own shop
We had a wonderful response to our Radio 4 appeal – and raised more than £15,000.
Our appeal told the story of Resham and her family. Resham lived in Kalapaani village, central India where fluorosis was endemic. Too much naturally-occurring fluoride in the water causes fluorosis - a disease which discolours teeth and disfigures bones. Before FRANK Water started working in Kalapaani, the people thought that they were cursed.
Having a safe, convenient source of water has transformed the community. The women of the village have taken an active role in developing their community further. They’ve applied to the government for funding to build a toilet in every household. They've set up a community centre with a small nursery for the youngest children. Their health is improved. Now that they are fit and healthy and their young children are cared for, the women can go out to work to support their families. And things have improved further for Resham herself. In the year since our appeal, Resham has managed to earn enough money through agricultural work to set up a small shop - the first in the village.
Thanks to the generous donations from Radio 4 Listeners, Resham’s story is not a one off. With your support, we’ve worked with more than 20,000 people over the last year, changing lives with safe water and sanitation.
You can find out more about the charity