It began as an ordinary Monday, but by afternoon, the hills of Kofyar echoed with drums, laughter, and tears of joy. For decades, the communities of Kofyar, Pangkurum, and Longsel had shared one bitter truth: water was scarce, life was hard, and the hope for change always seemed like a distant dream. On August 25, 2025, that dream finally broke free of the clouds.
The commissioning of a rainwater harvesting and storage system, funded by Germany’s Gerda Henkel Stiftung and executed by the Vernacular Heritage Initiative (VHI) under the guidance of Dr. Obafemi Olukoya, marked a turning point in the history of this hilltop settlement. What once sounded like an ambitious promise became a living reality before the eyes of hundreds who gathered at the community centre to witness a new chapter unfold.
From the early hours, the scene was alive with music and the colorful energy of Kofyar’s cultural troupe. Guests from neighboring Pangkurum and Longsel arrived to share in a joy that had eluded these hills for generations. Women in bright wrappers sang victory songs, children ran barefoot across the compound, and elders sat under tree shades, watching a moment they had prayed for all their lives.
When the event commenced, Dr. Olukoya’s goodwill message was delivered. “This is not only about water,” he said. “It is about dignity, health, and a heritage that deserves to thrive.” He recounted how the project began in December 2024 and the countless challenges of building on such terrain without heavy machinery. “The people of Kofyar carried this project on their backs—literally. Without your hands and your strength, this day would not be possible,” his word read, drawing loud applause.Testimonies followed. Among them, the voice of Mr. Simon Dachin who said “We walked miles for water, sometimes in the heat, sometimes in the dark. Our children missed school because they had to fetch water. Today, that story ends.”
Similar words of gratitude came from representatives of Pangkurum and Longsel, both communities that will now fetch water without risking their health or safety.Then came the moment that drew cheers loud enough to shake the hills. The Long Kofyar, Chief John Datok, stepped forward to cut the ribbons—first at the community center, then near the school, and finally at the church. Each snip of the scissors released not just a ribbon, but decades of pent-up hope.
As the taps opened, streams of clear water flowed into waiting containers. Women wept, men raised their hands in thanks, and children danced in the puddles as though to baptize themselves in a new reality.Soon after, the Vernacular Heritage Initiative (VHI) representative began the symbolic distribution of water gallons in line with the new fetching schedule: Kofyar households will collect two 25-liter gallons weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays; Pangkurum will fetch every Friday, and Longsel every Saturday.
Tokens were handed out to ensure order and fairness—a structured end to chaos that once defined life here.In his goodwill message, Dr. Olukoya words reminded the people that this success was built on partnership and sacrifice. “You carried stones and pipes to make this happen. You proved that when a community stands together, nothing is impossible.” These read words were met with rhythmic clapping and chants of appreciation.
The chairman of Kofyar Development Association – Kelvin Daduut spoke and promised to ensure community maintenance to ensure this water project would last forever.When Chief Datok rose for the vote of thanks, the compound fell silent. His voice, rich with emotion, carried a weight only history can give: “Gerda Henkel Stiftung has always been a friend to us, but today, they have become family. This gift is beyond water: it is life itself.”
As his words lingered in the air, the crowd broke into a final round of cheers.The day ended with dancing with women balancing pots on their heads, not in burden but in celebration, and young boys splashing in fresh water as elders looked on with tears of quiet relief.
For a people who once measured time in journeys for water, Kofyar will now measure life in flowing streams and a future finally secure but all made possible by the generosity of a longtime friend to Kofyar land – Gerda Henkel Stiftung. Chief John Datok, the Long Kofyar cutting the ribbon to commission the rainwater harvesting project in Kofyar