PLIGHT OF WOMEN IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA WITHOUT ACCESS TO FRESH WATER ADDRESSED IN NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK
WATER 4 MERCY’S “THE MOST WONDERFUL RAIN” PROVIDES SOLUTION THAT CAN BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY IN AFRICA
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The cycle of poverty in sub–Saharan Africa is chronicled in a new book for children that is being introduced in time for the Christmas holidays by Water 4 Mercy, a not-for-profit based in the United States with an innovative approach that combines water access with agricultural solutions and community engagement to empower women in affected communities.
“The Most Wonderful Rain,” a children’s book written by Nermine Khouzam Rubin, founder of Water 4 Mercy, in collaboration with Susan Joy Bellavance, explores how access to clean water can help end the global cycle of poverty.
Inspired by a true story, Rubin and Bellavance tell the tale of a young woman, Deborah,
who lives in a Tanzanian village and spends her days making the dangerous 10-hour trek to retrieve water for her household – a job that is expected of every capable woman in african villages. Due to her responsibilities to her family and community, she is unable to fulfill her dream of going to school to become a doctor. Deborah’s life is positively and permanently altered when a visitor arrives and promises to bring water to her village.
“It is a heartfelt call to action, inspiring those in more privileged circumstances to open their hearts and wallets in support of initiatives that deliver the gift of fresh water to these remote villages,” said Rubin. “Deborah’s story represents the plight of millions of young women and girls whose lives are negatively impacted by a lack of water. The story is emotional and is being introduced during the holiday season when we all should be more focused on addressing how we can help girls like Deborah.”
The book has received a number of endorsements from luminaries and thought leaders on the topic, including Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, FL.; Samwel Mastoo Mugosho, Mazengo Handali Village Chief; H.E. Oded Joseph, Former Ambassador of Israel to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and Seychelles Embassy of Israel in Nairobi; and Seth M. Siegel, author of the New York Times bestseller, “Let There Be Water: Israel’s Solution for a Water-Starved World.”
“The Most Wonderful Rain” is a story of love and hope. It is a testament to how lives can be changed when someone cares enough to get involved. Water is not only a necessity of life, it gives hope for a better future,” said Bishop Parkes, who helped fund the life-changing water project and drip irrigation system in Deborah’s village through a successful matching challenge on behalf of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
“Thanks to Water 4 Mercy, an extraordinary not-for-profit organization, there will be many more Deborahs and many more happy endings. Water 4 Mercy is determined to change the world, one village at a time, and one drinking water well at a time,” said Siegel.
“The Most Wonderful Rain” was published by Covenant Books and is available for purchase at bookstores throughout the nation and online in the Apple iTunes store, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Proceeds from sales will be donated to Water 4 Mercy, to fund sustainable water and agricultural projects. Over the past five years, the organization has helped change the lives of more than 67,000 on the African Continent by bringing fresh and clean water to 16 different villages.
Water 4 Mercy's innovative approach combines water access with agricultural solutions, and community engagement empowering villages to thrive and transform their lives and future. Its holistic approach brings about a transformative impact on the lives of individuals, improving health, education, economic opportunities, and overall quality of life in African communities. For more information, visit: www.water4mercy.org.