Zivei is living, loving, laughing proof of human resilience.

With five grandchildren in her care, she survived the worst of the recent drought in Zimbabwe with her spirit and humour intact.

“Last year was the worst because we really struggled to get water,” Zivei explains. “We had no source of water, it was really difficult.”

But even when the situation seemed impossible, she never gave up.

Last year, we asked our you, our supporters, to help provide clean water for families and communities in Zimbabwe. Thanks to you, Oxfam rehabilitated the borehole in Zivei’s village.

“The bore has really transformed our lives,” Zivei explains. “I am a sick woman and I don’t feel well due to old age, but I can just walk from my place and fetch water, which was never the case before. So it’s quite a relief that we have this borehole rehabilitated.”

“Now I can access fresh water that is clean.”

After years of drought, many of Zimbabwe’s rivers, dams and boreholes have dried up. But because of your generosity and support, Oxfam is rehabilitating vital water sources to provide safe drinking water for children and families affected by the crisis.

“I thank Oxfam for this borehole,” Zivei says.

“Now I can use it anyway I want, and I can access water close by. So I am very grateful to Oxfam.”

All photos: Abbie Trayler-Smith/OxfamAUS