We recently connected with Nicci Renouard and have shared our conversation below.

Nicci, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our work to bring clean water to the developing world began with seeing the huge need in Africa while we were on a family trip there. We saw girls and women walking long distances to fetch disgusting water that often makes them sick. They carry it on their heads, often for miles, and collecting water takes up a large part of their day.

My husband, John, started thinking about how we could help. He was given a distinct impression in the middle of the night for a human-powered drill that can tap into the aquifer and provide a lifetime of clean water. Engineering students helped him design it, and so far, the Village Drill has created more than 12,000 wells in 37 countries, providing clean water to more than 12 million people. It’s a unique, powerful tool solving the world’s water crisis.

I’m so passionate about helping African women, and it’s amazing to hear their stories. They’re wonderful people. Our nonprofit WHOlives uses the acronym WHO, which stands for our mission of empowering the developing world with clean Water, better Health and more economic Opportunity.

Nicci, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Our lives totally changed after our trip to Africa. My husband and I were working in real estate, but we knew we could do a lot more good by focusing on getting the Village Drill to as many communities as possible.

One of the unique aspects of WHOlives is we don’t give away wells. We partner with the villages so that they provide a down payment and small monthly payments; a lifetime of clean water costs about $5 per person.

We think this is so important because it promotes self-reliance and gives the community the pride of ownership, which leads to the well lasting longer because the villagers are invested in the project. They take care of the well and do the little bit of routine maintenance that’s required.

On one of our water projects, we learned about the horrible practice known as female genital mutilation (FGM). We’re now working to end FGM in Africa, starting with southwest Kenya. Some of our common-sense solutions have already led to a wave of arrests and convictions that are putting an end to this “tradition.”

Police told us they needed fuel for their cars so they could investigate crimes against women. We send them $50 to $100 as needed so they can make arrests and make sure the girls can make it to court to testify. We’ve also established safe spaces at police stations by donating beds and other supplies so that girls fleeing violence have a place to stay.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I didn’t initially know much about posting on social media or sending out email newsletters, but I quickly learned through trial and error.

I do a weekly Water Wednesdays newsletter that focuses on our progress in drilling new wells and some of the emotional stories we find out along the way. I love to profile our amazing volunteers and show photos and videos of cheering African villagers after a new well is finished in their communities. Clean water is really life-changing, saving them time and preventing so many illnesses. People can sign up for the newsletter on our website, WHOlives.org.

It can take a long time to build your social media presence. Focus on compelling content and posting regularly. Engage with the people commenting on your posts, and post comments in other groups that are related to what you’re doing. Video is obviously really important, and we’re trying to post more of those.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’m propelled forward by the resiliency of the African women we serve. They embark on arduous journeys, spanning long distances to collect water. Despite the grueling challenges they encounter, these women demonstrate unwavering strength and determination. Carrying heavy containers on their heads or shoulders, they traverse treacherous terrains, endure scorching heat and navigate through rugged landscapes. Plus, they are sometimes targeted and attacked on the way to water.

The scarcity of clean water in their communities compels them to undertake these daily expeditions, often leaving their homes in the early hours of the morning. Their resilience is not only physical but also emotional, as they bear the weight of responsibility for their families’ well-being. These extraordinary women symbolize the unwavering spirit that characterizes African communities, and I admire them for that.    

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wholives.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholives/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WHOlives.org
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wholivesorg/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WHOlivesORG
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/wholives

Image Credits
WHOlives