Mirte’s long walk for water

The El Niño-induced drought in Ethiopia is having a huge impact on the lives of children. Girls such as Mirte, 14, are having to do all they can to help their families make ends meet – such as becoming the family’s water carrier. Twice a week, Mirte makes the journey down from her home in the mountains to the last remaining water source which lies at the bottom. Once she’s filled up her jerry can with whatever water she can find, she starts the long trek home, a heavy, bright yellow can strapped to her back. It’s a dangerous task, which is leaving children vulnerable to exhaustion, hunger and abuse.