A Community Rooted in Faith and Resilience
Tucked along the coastline of southwest Haiti lies Bondeau, a small, rural village. Family homes are scattered between the mountains and the sea, and life moves at a rhythm set by farming, fishing, and faith.
At the heart of the community stands Bon Samaritain Church and School, one of Bondeau’s oldest and most trusted institutions. The church welcomes over 200 members each week, while the school provides education and stability for nearly 500 children—a beacon of hope for families who dream of a better future for their children.
But for too long, the people of Bondeau have carried a burden that touches every corner of life—the lack of safe water.
When Water Makes You Sick
The community depends on a distant well and natural water sources that are not safe to drink. About 70% of residents collect water directly from the source, while the rest buy it from vendors. Some families boil their water, but most drink it as is—leading to frequent cases of typhoid, diarrhea, , and other preventable illnesses.
Even the well water—though drawn from the ground—is contaminated and saline. In Bondeau, it’s common to hear of children missing school because of waterborne illness, or mothers struggling to care for their families while battling sickness.
The people of Bondeau needed more than a water source—they needed safe water and sustainable change.
A Partnership for Lasting Impact
Healing Waters International, in partnership with Food For the Poor and École Bon Samaritain, joined forces to bring bringing a comprehensive water solution and hygiene education to Bondeau.
This powerful partnership with Healing Waters as the implementor and Food for the Poor as the sponsor and strategic partner will:
- Provide high-quality, safe drinking water for every child and family in Bondeau.
- Empower the school with a sustainable micro-business that generates income through affordable community water sales.
- Equip families with knowledge to prevent disease and care for their health.
This collaboration combines the community’s strong faith foundation with world-class technology and hands-on education—building both infrastructure and dignity.
Innovating for a Brighter Tomorrow: The Water System
At the center of Bondeau’s transformation is a solar-powered Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification system—a durable, energy-efficient design that provides up to 1,000 gallons of safe water per day.
Key Features:
- Reverse Osmosis Purification: Delivers water that exceeds U.S. EPA standards—free from pathogens, salts, and contaminants, with the crisp taste communities prefer.
- Solar-Powered Efficiency: Using intelligent controls and hybrid inverters, the system operates smoothly on solar energy, cutting costs and ensuring sustainability in Bondeau’s remote setting.
- Solar Water Kiosk: A purpose-built kiosk will house the purification equipment and serve as a safe water distribution point, managed locally for sustainability.
- Water Delivery Tricycle: A community tricycle will extend water access to homes across Bondeau—reducing the time women and children spend collecting water and increasing reach for families living farther away.
Every drop produced through this system represents health, opportunity, and hope.
Teaching Health, Nurturing Dignity
Healing Waters believes true transformation begins when knowledge meets access. Alongside the installation of the water system, a Health and Hygiene Education Program will empower local leaders, teachers, and families with tools to live healthier lives.
In Bondeau, where many still cook, bathe, and drink from contaminated water sources and open defecation remains common, this training will be life-changing.
The program includes two tailored tracks:
- Women’s Program – “Clothed in Strength and Dignity”
Designed to help women embrace their God-given worth, understand how to protect their families’ health, and model safe hygiene practices in their homes. - Children’s Program – “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”
A fun, interactive curriculum led through the school that helps children learn the importance of clean water, handwashing, and hygiene.
Graduates of the six-week course receive a free five-gallon jug of purified water, reinforcing healthy habits and participation. These classes not only prevent disease but also restore a sense of dignity and purpose to families who have long struggled with unsafe water.
Sustainability That Flows Forward
This project represents more than technology—it’s a model of holistic, community-led transformation.
With local ownership, solar energy, and ongoing support from Healing Waters, the Bondeau water system will serve families for years to come. The school will benefit from revenue that supports its ministry and educational mission, while healthier children and families can thrive in body, mind, and spirit.
Through collaboration and faith, safe water is now within reach in Bondeau—and with it, the hope of a flourishing future.
Healing Waters remains a committed presence in Haiti. Donate today to keep safe water flowing.