In the remote villages of Niger, Africa, where arid landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, something incredible is happening. Clean, life-giving water is bubbling up from the earth, transforming lives one well at a time. Behind these life-changing wells stands one woman whose passion and perseverance have built more than just water sources—they’ve built hope.
Pat Herath, the Founder and Executive Director of Wells 4 Wellness, wasn’t always in the clean water business. In fact, her journey began far from the villages she serves today. But it was a powerful combination of compassion, grit, and an undeniable calling that led her to found an organization that now brings clean water to thousands in rural Niger, Africa.
It all started with a simple question: How do people survive without access to clean water? For many of us, water is something we take for granted, but for communities across Niger, it’s a precious, often unreachable resource.
Niger, in particular, suffers greatly from water scarcity. The Sahara Desert engulfs more than 80% of the country, making access to clean water a constant struggle for its 25 million people. According to UNICEF, approximately 56% of the population has access to safe drinking water, and the impact is devastating. Families spend hours walking to distant water sources, children miss school, and waterborne diseases are rampant.
That reality hit Pat hard, and she knew she had to act.
Turning Compassion into Action
The journey from awareness to action wasn’t easy. Starting a nonprofit, especially one with the ambitious goal of solving water scarcity in some of the most remote regions of the world, takes determination. But Pat wasn’t deterred.
“I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but the more I learned about the water crisis, the more I realized that not doing something wasn’t an option,” she says.
Pat threw herself into the challenge headfirst. She learned about well-drilling technologies, fundraised tirelessly, and connected with experts who could help turn her vision into reality. Slowly but surely, Wells 4 Wellness began to take shape.
“I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but the more I learned about the water crisis, the more I realized that not doing something wasn’t an option,” she says.
Pat threw herself into the challenge headfirst. She learned about well-drilling technologies, fundraised tirelessly, and connected with experts who could help turn her vision into reality. Slowly but surely, Wells 4 Wellness began to take shape.
The Water Crisis in Niger
In rural Niger, the water crisis is not just about convenience—it's about survival. With temperatures often soaring above 100°F, clean water can be the difference between life and death. The United Nations reports that millions of people in Niger are at risk of severe water shortages, and the country faces one of the highest rates of waterborne diseases in the world.
Children, in particular, are vulnerable. Lack of access to clean water leads to outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea, which can be deadly without proper treatment. And yet, day after day, families rely on unsafe water sources because there’s simply no alternative.
Children, in particular, are vulnerable. Lack of access to clean water leads to outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea, which can be deadly without proper treatment. And yet, day after day, families rely on unsafe water sources because there’s simply no alternative.
The Wells 4 Wellness Solution
Wells 4 Wellness tackles this problem head-on by providing sustainable, long-lasting wells that are drilled deep enough to access clean groundwater. But what really sets them apart is their holistic approach. Rather than just drilling wells and moving on, Pat and her team invest in communities by providing training on how to maintain the wells and use water responsibly.
“Our goal isn’t just to give people water today—it’s to ensure they have clean water for generations,” Pat explains.
Each well serves as a beacon of hope for the communities it reaches. With access to clean water, children can return to school instead of walking miles each day to fetch water. Mothers can tend to their homes and businesses. And most importantly, waterborne diseases plummet, giving families a fighting chance at a healthy, sustainable future.
“Our goal isn’t just to give people water today—it’s to ensure they have clean water for generations,” Pat explains.
Each well serves as a beacon of hope for the communities it reaches. With access to clean water, children can return to school instead of walking miles each day to fetch water. Mothers can tend to their homes and businesses. And most importantly, waterborne diseases plummet, giving families a fighting chance at a healthy, sustainable future.
The Loving Donors Behind the Mission
While Pat may be the driving force behind Wells 4 Wellness, she’s quick to point out that none of this would be possible without the donors who believe in the cause.
“We have the most incredible community of supporters,” Pat says, smiling. “They’re the real heroes. They see the difference clean water can make, and they choose to be part of that change.”
Donors come from all walks of life—some give monthly contributions, others organize fundraisers in their local communities, and some corporate partners have pledged long-term support. Every donation counts, no matter how big or small, and the impact is immediate and profound.
“We have the most incredible community of supporters,” Pat says, smiling. “They’re the real heroes. They see the difference clean water can make, and they choose to be part of that change.”
Donors come from all walks of life—some give monthly contributions, others organize fundraisers in their local communities, and some corporate partners have pledged long-term support. Every donation counts, no matter how big or small, and the impact is immediate and profound.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Perhaps the most powerful testament to the work of Wells 4 Wellness is the stories of the people whose lives have been transformed by clean water.
When walking through a village in Southern Niger an elder approached Pat and spoke of how the arrival of clean water has revived his community: “We thought we had been forgotten. But now, we have life again.”
Pat said, “We are so happy to be able to provide water.” But then the village elder said, “No, we are happier than you!”
Pat has countless stories that illustrate the ripple effect clean water has on a community. It’s not just about quenching thirst—it’s about restoring dignity, health, opportunity, and happiness.
When walking through a village in Southern Niger an elder approached Pat and spoke of how the arrival of clean water has revived his community: “We thought we had been forgotten. But now, we have life again.”
Pat said, “We are so happy to be able to provide water.” But then the village elder said, “No, we are happier than you!”
Pat has countless stories that illustrate the ripple effect clean water has on a community. It’s not just about quenching thirst—it’s about restoring dignity, health, opportunity, and happiness.
Overcoming Obstacles: Pat’s Relentless Drive
Building and maintaining a charity like Wells 4 Wellness isn’t without its challenges. Pat has faced her fair share of roadblocks—funding shortfalls, logistical nightmares, and, of course, the emotional weight of the work itself.
“There have been times when I wasn’t sure how we were going to make it. The need is so great, and it can feel overwhelming,” she admits. “But then I remember why we’re doing this.”
That determination has carried Pat and her team through tough times. Whether it’s a last-minute donor pulling through or a community coming together to support one another, something always reminds them that the work is too important to stop.
“There have been times when I wasn’t sure how we were going to make it. The need is so great, and it can feel overwhelming,” she admits. “But then I remember why we’re doing this.”
That determination has carried Pat and her team through tough times. Whether it’s a last-minute donor pulling through or a community coming together to support one another, something always reminds them that the work is too important to stop.
The Road Ahead for Wells 4 Wellness
Despite all the successes, Pat and her team know there is much more work to be done. Millions of people in Niger still lack access to clean water, and the team is determined to reach as many as possible.
“Our goal is to double the number of wells we’ve built over the next few years,” Pat shares. “We want to reach the most remote villages, the ones that have been forgotten. Those are the communities that need us the most.”
How You Can Help
The work Wells 4 Wellness does is only possible because of generous donors and supporters. Whether through a one-time gift or a monthly donation, anyone can play a part in bringing clean water to a village in need.
“Every donation matters,” Pat says. “It might not seem like much, but when you see the smiles on these children’s faces, you realize just how powerful even the smallest gift can be.”
If you want to help change lives, remember what Pat says, “Together, we can turn a ripple into a wave of change.”
Learn more about Pat’s work through Wells 4 Wellness by watching her 18 min short film called BOTTOM OF THE LIST.
“Every donation matters,” Pat says. “It might not seem like much, but when you see the smiles on these children’s faces, you realize just how powerful even the smallest gift can be.”
If you want to help change lives, remember what Pat says, “Together, we can turn a ripple into a wave of change.”
Learn more about Pat’s work through Wells 4 Wellness by watching her 18 min short film called BOTTOM OF THE LIST.
