Groundbreaking News: April’s "Boring" Success Story

For those of us in Wisconsin, April tends to be a slow transition month into spring, often accompanied by rainstorms, gray skies, and a lasting little chill. You may consider it a bit boring – quiet, even, or slow. Here at WASH for Life, however, April has been anything but boring, and we’re taking a different direction with the phrase. This year, April was all about boreholes; thus, “Boring” April. Get it? 

Well, Well, Well…

We know what you’re thinking – isn’t every month about boreholes at WASH for Life? Yes! This April, however, we’re especially excited because we’ve been able to drill a record number of boreholes for a single month. These new wells will continue to move us south from Lilongwe to Zomba, fulfilling the needs of the schools who have sent in applications. For this month, we’ve received 12 completed requests for boreholes. From these 12, at least 2 schools have populations exceeding 3,000 learners, which necessitates two boreholes at the same site. Based on this data, 2 of the schools we received applications require this, increasing our need to 14 wells. The applications provide us with the information to determine the amount and urgency of the need so we can organize priority with timelines and funding. With the generous donations we’ve received, we have been able to fund 8 of the 14 wells this April! It is our hope to fulfill the needs of the remaining 6 in the next few months.

The current water source at Namangwe Primary School, which is receiving a new borehole this spring

The drilling truck and water engineers arrive at new school locations to begin the construction of new boreholes.

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School learners at Kanyandule Primary School celebrate their new borehole in April 2026

Malawi Trip 2026

Our hope is to see these new wells in their final construction stages or fully functioning during our upcoming trip to Malawi in mid-May. This will be our 4th consecutive trip, with the largest attendance yet – about 19 people planning to travel. Like last year, our group will consist of WASH, GRO, and Salesforce representatives, with a mix of veterans like Paul Treffert, Tom Lawry, and Jon Neustedter, and fresh faces on their first trip to the Warm Heart of Africa. A new Salesforce group will be joining us from 4 different countries: Canada, Australia, Argentina, and the United States. The trip will include the usual hallmarks of helping on Patrick’s farm with his family, visiting well sites across Malawi, spending time with learners at various schools, and discussing plans, hopes, and ideas with local leaders. The Salesforce team will also be returning to the Agape Orphanage for a longer visit. 

Steve Hamer pumps water from a WASH borehole during the Malawi Trip 2025

Investment in the Future 

Part of this trip will be dedicated to discussing the need for a “legacy program” with our Malawi partners. Since 2017, GRO and WASH branches have now cumulatively drilled 62 wells. Some of those wells are almost 10 years old! While boreholes are by nature very durable and reliable, they are still susceptible to damage and certain environmental factors. For instance, even though they are protected from flooding and heavy rains during monsoon season, droughts can still affect the viability of the water table a well draws from. Parts of the mechanism may wear from overuse. It’s why we’ve been training technicians to perform maintenance on wells and make sure they continue functioning properly. These programs also provide jobs. Unfortunately, however, there are some repairs that require additional funding that isn’t readily available. Therefore, it is in our long-term plans to develop a “legacy program” that focuses donations directly to well repairs and the teams executing them. It is the next important step in ensuring the longevity of water accessibility in the communities that have boreholes for years to come.

Next Generations

Speaking of legacy – it seems the mission of WASH for Life has found even more passionate young people ready to impact the lives of others. At the beginning of this month, 6 freshman girls at Kohler Public Schools committed to being the next generation of Girls Reaching Out: GRO 2029. They attended a meeting with the current GRO girls with all of their mothers, who are also going to be involved in the organization’s operations. Recognizing the importance of mentors for young people in this position, GRO 2026 has asked that parents play a more involved role for the next generation. The new group has already kickstarted their learning and legacy by joining the GRO 2026 girls on a recent presentation to the Kohler Company.

Two generations of GRO at Kohler Company on April 22, 2026

We are also thrilled about our new friend Simon Van Asten, who attends Christ Child Academy in Sheboygan. Last year, his father and grandmother took him to Malawi and he was able to visit some of the wells we couldn’t make it to on our trip. While in Africa, he was inspired to help improve education and student success by raising money to provide school supplies to communities. After his travels, Simon presented to a group of over 80 people at the local Elks Club with People to People and then again at school. In his fundraising efforts, his goal is to reach $300, which would outfit an entire school. Additionally, Simon’s grandma has agreed to match $500 and Papa Steve has committed to doubling that amount. His organization is called “Simon’s Backpack”, and you can donate to the cause through WASH for Life or Christ Child Academy – information is on the flyer below. Good luck to Simon! 

Simon and his dad, Anthony, presenting at Christ Child Academy

If there’s any takeaway here, it’s that the mission for clean water never stops. Things are constantly on the move towards better health, better hygiene, stronger education, more opportunities, and more water – because water is life! 

Thank you to everyone following along, our donors, and to those taking new steps to start their own initiatives.