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Mama Josée: What is Asili?

Josée Ruhara teaches children about handwashing in March 2019. Photo: Gerry Kahashy

by Josée Ruhara, Water Operations Supervisor


During the development of a new branding strategy for ECI, I was asked, What is Asili? As supervisor of water operations and steward of the Asili brand in the community, and someone originally from Kabare myself, I have some thoughts on this question.

Asili takes to heart the human person, who is the center of all its activities. Thus the Asili brand is always respected, and its promises are always kept. 

Our model of providing services to Kabare and the surrounding area is truly revolutionary. Before the Asili project, the situation of our community — environmental, cultural, economic, social, medical, educational — had not improved. But today, thanks to Asili services, you can see a positive change in the community:

  • the emergence of a new spirit of self-care and independence
  • the improvement of the material and social environment, 
  • securing the education of children.

I see the civilization of a community that manifests joy, as citizens learn to increase their capital and strengthen their bonds with others. I see among them the joy of receiving many visitors from at home and around the world, and their dreams of carrying out great development projects. 

Nor am I alone in seeing these changes. The community as a whole witnesses the blessings of Asili. Water and healthcare customers, and even those who have benefited from apple crops, turn into Asili ambassadors. Certain conflicts have disappeared because of the unity that surrounds Asili services. People come together because of Asili activities, which make them a family.

Finally, I want to say something about the children, who make such a difference in and around Asili zones. We taught them some health and safety principles to protect against certain diseases. These children have fond memories of this gesture. 


Now children are the first people to welcome us into the community, with joy, shouting, and songs they learned in our lessons about proper handwashing. They are ambassadors on long journeys around the world. It is rightly said that “no one can forget what saved their life.” I am very sure that they will transform their environments into great cities of joy! ◼

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