Until recently the internal refugee women in Shemkir, Azerbaijan, spent their days bent at the waist washing all their dishes, clothes and food from one common water tap. In a community of 150 families without running water to their five-story building, this was a real challenge. In the blazing sun or cold precipitation, the women were unprotected from the elements as they did their work day after day.

When Operation Mercy workers did an initial assessment of the community before beginning to work in Shemkir, the felt need of their difficult water situation was expressed. So, together with community members, a plan was created to build a structure that would improve the women's daily lives.

The plan included installing multiple water taps on the existing water tank, adding a large sink and seating, and building a roofed shelter with a concrete floor. With these amenities, multiple women would be able to work at the same time. They could sit or stand upright, instead of being bent at the waist and would be sheltered despite the weather. The concrete floor would also offer a clean place to wash their carpets.

When Operation Mercy workers brought the first supplies, a teacher in the community stated, "Many people have come here over the years asking us questions and promising us many things but you are the first people to actually do something to help us. Thank you."

Community members of all ages helped the local Operation Mercy worker, Sameddin and a hired workman to complete the project. Throughout the construction process, you could sense a lot of excitement. The community's leader was encouraging everyone to take a part in helping.

Sameddin shared, "In general, I think that this project was well implemented. It took a while to get started because we really wanted input and involvement from community members, and at first they were hesitant. But with time, they began to share their ideas and help with the project. During construction, the women of the community brought us food to show their appreciation and when the project was completed, many community members came to give their thanks. I think the results of this project were very good."

Now that community members have seen and participated in a project being completed, they are now thinking of other ways their community can be improved. It is a privilege for Operation Mercy workers to empower people to better their own lives.