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Called to Partnership - Living out the Calling: Water Wins

As a partnership, Water Wins leverages the God-given talents of Nigerians and North Americans to generate access to a basic human right—clean water.

“God planted a seed in my heart to join forces with our Nigerian friends and start what is now Water Wins,” says Doug Tubergen. Engineer by trade and North American team leader since 2005, Tubergen says that skill sets and wisdom come from both sides of the partnership. Eighteen Nigerian employees provide hands-on knowledge, dedication, and understanding of climate and culture, whereas a dozen North American partners share the passion and vision, offering expertise in the business-model, the drilling equipment utilized, and project management. “I look back on the last five years and realize how that seed has grown, and I simply give thanks to God for watering that seed and making it grow.”

In the northwest Nigerian region of East Kambari, over 90% of people are of marginalized ethnic tribes with no access to a sustainable source of water. On a market-driven basis, Water Wins requires partnering villages to invest 18% of total drilling and installation costs. Just under $5,000, each borehole and handpump guarantees clean water for 400 people for up to 20 years—approximately $12.50 per person. Members of the Nigerian staff also follow up with maintenance services and repairs on wells, training offered in nutrition, sanitation and literacy, as well as church planting and leadership training.

This year, 25 wells were drilled. To date, over 160 villages have invested in wells, ensuring clean water for 64,000 people. Within these partnering villages, from 2005-2010 infant and child mortality rates once over 50 percent have been reduced to less than 10 percent!

In the midst of these powerful results, the meaning behind partnership stands out the most. “Who knew the Lord would put together such a diverse group from several nationalities, denominations, professions and trades—manufacturers, engineers, development workers, resource managers, trainers, well drillers, farmers—and have them work so well together in harmony and singleness of purpose?” says Jeremiah Yongo, leader of the Nigerian staff and partnership manager of Partners Worldwide.

“And who knows what the Lord still plans to do through this partnership in the days ahead?”     

This story is taken from the 
Partners Worldwide 2009/10 Annual Report.