At Blood:Water, we are thrilled to honor the exceptional efforts of individuals who are making a remarkable impact in their communities. The Community Hero of the Year Award recognizes community heroes within our partners—staff, community leaders, health workers, peer counselors, and volunteers—whose acts of service are changing lives in profound ways.

These incredible individuals were nominated by their organizations for their unwavering dedication and transformative work. Now, it’s your turn to help choose the 2024 Community Hero of the Year!

HOW TO VOTE

Read about each of the 5 nominees below.
Click the button to cast your vote by January 31, 2025!
Once voting closes, we’ll tally up the votes and notify our winner.
Then share the good news with everyone!

MEET THE 5 NOMINEES

DEREJE ASSEFA

Role: Water Supply Department Head
Partner: Drop of Water (DOW)
Country: Ethiopia

Described in 3 words as: Dedicated, Servant, Resilient

Reason for Nomination: As the Water Supply Head, Dereje plays a pivotal role in providing access to safe and potable water for underserved communities. He exemplifies what it means to be a Community Hero through his unwavering dedication and profound commitment to the underserved communities he serves. His tireless efforts to bring access to clean drinking water to remote and hard-to-reach areas have been nothing short of remarkable.

One unforgettable instance was when Dereje walked over two hours one way due to limited road networks to visit a community in dire need, conducting a feasibility study for a potential water project. This is not an isolated example—there are countless instances where he has trekked long distances, stayed with communities, and shared in their daily struggles, all in the name of identifying and addressing their needs. His empathy and willingness to go above and beyond demonstrate his deep connection to those he serves. Dereje approaches his work with determination and an unwavering sense of purpose, ensuring that every project he undertakes is completed with excellence.

Celebrate Dereje’s unwavering commitment to serving communities in need with your vote!

LEMSON WENZULO

Role: Project Officer
Partner: Community Partnership for Relief and Development (COPRED)
Country: Malawi

Described in 3 words as: Selfless, Dedicated, Development-Oriented

Reason for Nomination: Lemson undertakes community mobilization, beneficiary targeting and registration, manages field volunteers and field-level data quality management issues, and coordinates the development of field-level district monthly reports. He also works as the organization’s field-level liaison officer with the government and other development partners.

Lemson is a selfless person who has been working in very hard-to-reach areas by foot and has managed to bring other developments to hard-to-reach areas, such as the Neno district, by mobilizing communities to hold Members of Parliament accountable to their election campaign manifestos, which attracted the people to elect them into office.

Support Lemson’s inspiring work by casting your vote!

MESHACK OCHIENG

Role: Field Agent, Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) Program
Partner: Our Lady of Perpetual Support (OLPS)
Country: Kenya

Described in 3 words as: Empowering, Dedicated, Transformative

Reason for Nomination: Field Agents play a key role in establishing and supporting well-structured Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) groups. These are community-based savings and credit groups designed to strengthen the livelihoods of poor households. As a Field Agent, Meshack has been instrumental in the formation and successful operation of the Oyawo Wang’a SILC Group in Kolwa East Location, Kisumu East Sub-County. This group stands out as one of the top performers among the 13 functional SILC groups supported by eight Field Agents, including Meshack.

Under Meshack’s guidance, the Oyawo Wang’a SILC Group advanced through all 12 modules of the SILC methodology, moving from formation to the “share-out” stage. Starting with zero savings, the group ultimately shared out a total of KES 390,350.00 (USD 3,014). Individual members received payouts ranging from KES 5,700.00 (USD 44) to KES 23,980.00 (USD 185). Demonstrating strong commitment, the members unanimously agreed to reinvest a portion of their payouts into a new savings cycle, marking the beginning of the next phase of their growth.

Meshack’s dedication throughout this journey has been instrumental in empowering the group members and ensuring the continued success of the SILC model. He stands out as a true hero to OLPS, which is why the organization has nominated him for the Community Hero of the Year Award.

Honor Meshack’s dedication to building stronger communities with your vote!

REHEMA NANGOMA MUTONI

Role: Head Teacher
Partner: Partners for Community Transformation (PaCT)
Country: Uganda

Described in 3 words as: Empowering, Dedicated, Transformative

Reason for Nomination: Rehema Mutoni is a dedicated headteacher who has been instrumental in implementing the PaCT WASH project. As a member of the School WASH Improvement Team, she plays a key role in mobilizing building materials for WASH facilities at the school. Additionally, she has been a strong advocate for awareness campaigns, particularly focusing on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), sanitation, and hygiene practices. Her leadership and commitment to promoting a clean and healthy environment have had a significant positive impact on the school community, making her an exceptional candidate for the Community Hero Award.

In addition to her technical roles, she is a natural community leader who fosters collaboration between the school, parents, local leaders, and other stakeholders. She actively engages with these groups to ensure that WASH programs are integrated into the broader community, further strengthening the impact of her work. Her leadership style is inclusive and empowering, motivating others to take ownership of the WASH initiatives and contribute to their success.

Celebrate Rehema’s exceptional service and lasting impact with your vote!

JOYCE MAINGI

Role: Nutritionist
Partner: Beacon of Hope
Country: Kenya

Described in 3 words as: Compassionate, Dedicated, Transformative

Reason for Nomination: Joyce, a passionate nutritionist, is the driving force behind comprehensive nutritional services in her community. Through the Boresha Afya Mtaani project, she champions under-resourced families, conducting targeted assessments to combat malnutrition while offering personalized counseling, meal planning, and community-wide support. Her impact extends beyond addressing immediate health needs; she organizes organic farming training, distributes seeds, and empowers households through nutrition promotion sessions. Her hands-on approach transforms lives, fostering self-sufficiency and resilience, with a remarkable milestone of 99% of malnourished children under her care achieving full recovery. Parents describe her as an “angel,” and her consistent follow-ups ensure lasting change for families once facing dire circumstances.

Joyce’s vision for sustainable solutions has led her to spearhead the establishment of kitchen gardens across the community. These gardens, more than just sources of fresh produce, symbolize independence and survival, especially in a year when many breadwinners lost their livelihoods. Her work has provided nourishment and income, creating a ripple effect as neighbors adopt similar practices. Joyce Wanjiru is not just a nutritionist; she is a changemaker whose courage, empathy, and vision have cultivated a thriving ecosystem of health and empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on the community she serves.

Support Joyce’s inspiring work by voting today!

Just a reminder, cast your vote by January 31, 2025 !
You can only vote one time.
Once voting closes, we’ll tally up the votes and notify our winner.
Then share the good news with everyone!