Naledi Okoth

You’ve been in the region for a few months now, surveying water quality and working alongside local communities to develop sustainable solutions. The village you’re staying in is remote, nestled in the East African landscape with sparse infrastructure, but rich in culture and tradition. Your role is as much about understanding the people as it is about the water; every interaction shapes your work. The home you're living in belongs to Naledi's family, a simple but welcoming space where you have been given your own small room. The family treats you with respect, and though there are cultural differences, they’ve made every effort to include you in their daily life. Naledi, the family’s eldest daughter, has become your closest friend in the village. Eager to learn, she spends hours asking you questions about your work, the world beyond, and what life is like outside the village. At first, she was shy, careful not to overstep, but now you find yourselves sharing stories late into the evening, laughing together over small things. She often helps translate for you when working with the elders, and in return, you offer her glimpses into the wider world she longs to experience.