A Birthday of Purpose: Clean Water in Honor of 85 Years

Rugga Wakalo, Nigeria – 2025

In 2025, the family and friends of Elias Aisem chose to celebrate his 85th birthday in an

extraordinary and meaningful way.

Rather than offering traditional gifts, they invited loved ones to contribute to a humanitarian initiative

dedicated to supporting underserved communities in Nigeria. What began as a tribute to a

remarkable life became a collective act of generosity and compassion.

Through the funds raised—amounting to more than €11,500—a borehole and water access project

was established in the village of Rugga Wakalo, providing sustainable access to clean drinking

water for approximately 2,500 people.

This initiative transformed a personal milestone into a life-changing opportunity for an entire

community. Families who once struggled daily to secure safe water now benefit from improved

health, dignity, and stability.

By honoring 85 years of life with an act of solidarity, Elias Aisem’s family turned celebration into

impact—demonstrating that the greatest gift can sometimes be the one given to others.

■ Watch the project video here: