There is a common expression which states “water is life”—this is also true for the communities of Balama Liberia.  With extremely limited methods for retrieving clean drinking water, the hand pump in Balama is a life saver for students at Balama Elementary School as well as the community.  Residents of the villages surrounding this hand pump walk for miles to Balama School to fetch safe drinking water.  Residents from villages located many miles away from the hand pump, which include Waterfall, Gokai, Gbonota, and others, will also travel to the school for safe drinking water. In the absence of a water fountain and dip cup, the palm of the hands held together can give you a satisfying drink.