What is a JERICAN?

A jerican is one of the most important things that Ugandans have. While we just turn on the faucet in our homes, the students at St. Charles fill their jericans at a bore hole down the street twice a day. A half-mile doesn’t sound that far, but try carrying 5 to 10 liter jugs filled to the top with water for that distance. We did. It wasn’t easy. And we aren’t 9 years old. Under their watchful gaze, we struggled to carry even half the usual amount these kids can manage out of necessity.

And what happens when that bore hole dries up, as it does during the dry season? The kids must go further afield looking for water.