Clean water for everyone in the village of Baba 1: this is one of the goals of the Holy Union Sisters, who have joined their efforts from Cameroon to Great Britain and Ireland. A joint project aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged, who are deprived of a precious resource like water.
In the remote, conflict-affected region of North West Cameroon, the lack of clean water is not just an inconvenience—it is a daily crisis.
The Justice and Peace Integrity and Creation committee (JPIC) tells us about the project's origins and the incredible mobilization currently underway:
“The call inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si’ is a constant challenge to each of us to act individually and collectively in caring for our common home and sharing our resources, not least water. “Fresh drinking water is an issue of primary importance, since it is indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Sources of fresh water are necessary for health care, agriculture and industry” we read in Laudato Si’, 28.
The Enlarged General Council which took place in Rome in February 2025 coincided with the Year of Jubilee. A presentation from Sr Matilda, then matron of St. Monica’s Health Care Centre in Baba, resulted in the beginnings of a project in AH Area with a goal: to provide in the Health Centre of St. Monica’s, the means of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for the ministry and for the local people.
In the AH Area, the project became a particular focus of the Justice and Peace Group, whose energy motivated wide interest and participation by the sisters, families and friends in supporting the initiative. Reflections during the Season of Creation, and regular letters, served as reminders of the hardships encountered by our sisters in Baba through lack of clean water and in a district compounded by continuing war.
Sr Shallotte was later appointed matron of St. Monica’s and her participation in the Lenten reflection in March 2026, highlighted the urgent need for the basic provision- Clean water for Baba! Since then, the funding target has been achieved with the Area Administration contributing more than 50% of the total cost.
This Bicentennial Project in 2026 has promoted unity among ourselves and will mitigate water poverty that affects a troubled part of Africa. It is a practical response to a challenge presented to us by the late Pope Francis.
The recipient group in Baba will be the patients, staff and carers. A reliable source of water will also extend to local households in the local village which includes internally displaced people. The outcome will enable a healthier population, a safer maternity environment, and a reduction in death rates due to water borne diseases.
The new installation will be solar powered and made secure. It will be an instrument of Justice and Peace, a beacon of hope to the Baba population of 10,000 people.
Justice and Peace Committee
“If I can help at least one person to have a better life, that actually justifies the offering of my life”
