Today, we’d like to introduce you to Dalayna Marji.
Hi Dalayna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as the Director of Communications for Vera Aqua Vera Vita (VAVV) began during my college years when I first learned about Jacob Niemeier and the organization’s vital mission. This introduction sparked a deep understanding of the global water crisis and its far-reaching effects on community health, productivity, cooperation, and economic development.
During college, I worked as a journalist, a role that honed my skills in storytelling and deepened my appreciation for impactful narratives. This background in journalism proved invaluable in 2022 when I joined VAVV’s missionary group and visited Monte Castillo for the first time.
Participating in W.A.S.H. trainings and interacting directly with the community, I witnessed the transformative power of clean water initiatives. The joy and gratitude of the locals, alongside the visible improvements in their living conditions, resonated deeply with me.
This experience was a turning point. I saw clear and visible changes in the communities we served—profound and uplifting. I fell in love with the true story of flourishing impact and potential by empowering communities with clean water. This realization compelled me to share these stories with the world.
Now, as the Communications Director for Vera Aqua Vera Vita, I am dedicated to spreading the word about the global water crisis and the transformative effect of our projects. My role allows me to share inspiring stories of healing, health, and hope, emphasizing how essential access to clean water is as a human right.
Every story I tell is a step toward mobilizing support and fostering understanding, driving forward our mission to bring true water and true life to those in need.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to providing clean water and fostering community empowerment through Vera Aqua Vera Vita has certainly not been smooth. While our mission is clear and our commitment unwavering, we have faced numerous challenges that test our resolve and demand resilience.
One significant struggle we recently encountered involved the complexities of government bureaucracy. After conducting extensive testing to ensure the quality and flow of our water sources were up to standard, we faced a setback when our water rights application was unexpectedly denied. This decision was disheartening for our team, as it seemed to disregard the diligence and thorough preparation we had invested in the project.
In response to this setback, we are currently appealing the decision in the appellate courts. This process is not just a legal challenge but a critical step to ensure that the communities we aim to serve can access the clean water they desperately need. Dealing with government bureaucracy can be particularly exhausting because it often feels like a barrier to the very progress we are striving to achieve.
At Vera Aqua Vera Vita, we often say, “If we weren’t here to help these people, no one would.” This belief fuels our determination to overcome the obstacles we face. Each challenge, while difficult, reinforces the importance of our work and the impact of our efforts.
It motivates us to push forward, find solutions, and continue advocating for those who depend on us to bring water, hope, and opportunity into their lives.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the Communications Director at Vera Aqua Vera Vita, my work revolves around sharing and amplifying the stories of communities transformed through our clean water initiatives. My role blends my background in journalism with my passion for advocacy, allowing me to craft compelling narratives that highlight the human impact of access to clean water.
I specialize in developing communication strategies that not only inform but also engage and inspire our audience to take action. Through various media—whether it’s articles, social media posts, or video documentaries—I focus on the real-life stories of individuals and communities whose lives have been significantly improved by our projects. These stories underscore the critical importance of clean water and the broader implications it has on health, education, and economic development.
What I am most proud of is the ability to bring these stories to a global audience, shedding light on issues that, though geographically distant for some, are universally resonant. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the tangible impact of our work, such as the joy of children in Monte Castillo who can now drink clean water or the pride of a community that learns to sustain its water supply system.
What sets Vera Aqua Vera Vita—and, by extension, my work—apart from others is our commitment to not just providing solutions but also empowering communities. We don’t just build infrastructure; we equip, educate, and empower communities to maintain and manage these solutions, ensuring sustainability and fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
This approach addresses the immediate need for clean water and builds a foundation for long-term, self-sustained development.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis has been a profound learning experience for me and Vera Aqua Vera Vita. It underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in our operations and communications.
One of the most significant lessons we learned is the interconnectedness of health and access to clean water. The pandemic highlighted how essential clean, safe water is not just for drinking but for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of viruses. This realization reinforced the urgency of our mission. It prompted us to innovate in how we deliver our services, ensuring that even during global disruptions, communities can still access the resources they need.
Adaptability also became a key theme. As travel and on-site work were restricted, we had to find new ways to continue our projects and maintain engagement with the communities we support. This involved leveraging technology to conduct virtual training and remote monitoring, ensuring that our projects remained on track even when we couldn’t be physically present.
Overall, the COVID-19 crisis brought to light the vital role of community and collaboration. It reminded us that by working together and supporting each other, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. These lessons continue to influence our approach and strengthen our resolve to ensure access to clean water for all.
Pricing:
- $50 donation = one person receives clean water for generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: veraaquaveravita.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veraaquaveravita/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veraaquaveravita
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vera-aqua-vera-vita/
- Twitter: https://x.com/veraquaveravita?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/veraaquaveravita
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vera-aqua-vera-vita-murphy
Image Credits
Vera Aqua Vera Vita
