In northern Brazil’s Roraima State, deep within the Amazon rainforest near the border with Guyana, indigenous communities such as Teso do Passarinho Village and Hebron Village have long lived in harmony with nature.
However, in recent years, the worsening effects of climate change have disrupted this balance. Rivers and lakes that once provided water for drinking and daily living have dried up or become dangerously shallow. To survive, residents dug wells by hand, but during the dry season, water levels dropped sharply and contamination became unavoidable. As a result, children and families were increasingly exposed to waterborne diseases and skin infections.
“The wells we use were dug by hand. In winter it is manageable, but in summer the water level drops, causing great difficulty.”
Elivaldo, Chief of Teso do Passarinho Village
Water Depleted by the Climate Crisis: Indigenous Communities Await Support
Roraima State includes many remote and isolated areas where government administrative support is difficult to reach. FUNAI (Fundação Nacional dos Povos Indı́genas), Brazil’s national government agency responsible for Indigenous affairs, continues its efforts to assist these communities but faces significant limitations due to scarce resources.
As extreme climate conditions further intensified hardships for indigenous residents, the International WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “WeLoveU”) members met with FUNAI officials on June 10 to explore practical solutions. FUNAI representatives shared the urgent reality on the ground: “There are many villages that need water pumps, water tanks, and bore wells, but financial limitations prevent us from providing sufficient support.” They expressed deep appreciation for WeLoveU’s willingness to collaborate in addressing this critical need.
From September 10 to 12, WeLoveU conducted on-site investigations in cooperation with officials from Leste de Roraima DSEI (Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena), the East Roraima Special Indigenous Health District, and professional water pump construction companies. The joint team carefully surveyed multiple villages, examined environmental conditions, and listened closely to residents’ concerns.
Site Visit
One resident shared, “When water sources dry up, we cannot do anything, and children get sick often.”
Challenges Identified
- Depletion of water resources due to the climate crisis → Severe water shortages during the dry season → Spread of waterborne diseases caused by contaminated water
- Poor hygiene conditions among residents → Lack of safe hygiene practices
Solutions Implemented
- Installation of water pumps to secure safe and reliable drinking water
- Hygiene education to promote a healthier living environment
After evaluating the situation, WeLoveU determined that Teso do Passarinho Village and Hebron Village faced the most urgent need for immediate intervention.
Clean and Safe Water Flows Again
Water pump installation began promptly. As drilling equipment bored 50 meters into the Amazon’s distinctive red soil, clean groundwater finally surged to the surface, bringing hope to communities that had waited far too long.
A DSEI official responsible for hygiene and environmental technology support stated: “Through this drilling, we can now secure more than 3,000 liters of water per hour. Hebron Village serves as a central hub where eight surrounding villages gather for education and health services. Expanding the water supply here will significantly improve indigenous people’s health and strengthen public health overall.”
Water Pump Installation Work ― November 17–25
Water Pump Completion ― November 20 and 25
Completion Ceremony ― December 11
Because Hebron Village lacked stable electricity to operate the water pump, solar panels capable of self-generation were installed together with the pumping system. This ensured a sustainable and uninterrupted water supply, even in remote conditions.
When construction was completed, children ran toward the water pump, cheering with excitement. Their faces lit up with bright smiles as they splashed water on one another, joyfully celebrating a moment they would long remember.
A resident washing dishes using several large basins of water shared, “We use water carefully and do not waste it. We are truly happy to receive the gift of clean water today.”
On the day of the completion ceremony, hygiene education was also provided for children in the village. With sparkling eyes, they followed each step of proper handwashing as if it were a game, naturally learning the importance of hygiene in their daily lives.
Water Is a Blessing
The installation of the water pumps brought deep joy to indigenous residents, who expressed hope that many more villages would one day live without anxiety over water shortages.
“Children from eight surrounding villages come to this school to study, and we were always worried because there was never enough water. On hot days, it was especially difficult without water, and children often became sick. I am very happy that a water pump has been installed here. If I may wish for one more thing, I hope this water can reach even farther to the surrounding villages as well.”
Marcelino Ambrósio, Elder of Hebron Village
“During the dry season, the wells became contaminated, so we had to boil water to drink. The biggest difficulty was supplying drinking water to two schools when water was already scarce. After the water pump installation, children’s living environments have greatly improved. Now they can drink clean water and live hygienically.”
Sônia, Teacher
“When there was only one well in the village, it was difficult because water could not be supplied to each household. Clean water has been our long-held dream. Now that dream has become reality. I sincerely thank everyone who worked hard to install the water pump.”
Roberto, Village Resident
“When water was scarce during the summer, we had to travel by car to find water. Even then, the water quality was poor and harmful to our health. Water pumps are a gift of life to indigenous people. One day, this water will reach every household. We have taken the first step, so I believe conditions will continue to improve.”
Gleison, Village Resident
Responding to the residents’ gratitude, Min Jong-guk, Head of the WeLoveU Brazil Chapter, shared: “Sharing pain and joy together is love. Please let us know whenever you face difficulties. We will support you with a mother’s heart.”
Meanwhile, the chief of Teso do Passarinho Village expressed heartfelt thanks: “Our village relied on shallow wells for a long time. Because the ground is a hard rock layer, we could not dig deep wells, and heavy rain often caused the wells to erode and collapse. I believe this water pump will greatly improve residents’ health. I sincerely thank WeLoveU Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah.”
Clean water is not a choice—it is a necessity. Only when drinking water sources are safe can communities protect their health and dignity.
Today, residents of Teso do Passarinho Village and Hebron Village rejoice in the fact that they no longer need to drink contaminated water. Tomorrow, they will live healthier lives than yesterday. WeLoveU hopes that the wave of change that began in these two small Amazon villages will continue to spread, reaching global families suffering from the effects of climate change.
Please look forward to the stream of hope that WeLoveU is extending around the world.
