The Great Well

There was a terrible drought, and the only way to get water was to dig a very deep well. All the animals agreed to work together, taking turns to dig. The Lion dug with his powerful claws, the Elephant moved great amounts of dirt with his trunk, and even the small Ant carried tiny grains of sand. The only animal who refused to help was the lazy Hyena, who just laughed and watched the others work. When the well was finally finished, the animals made a rule: "Only those who worked may drink." When the Hyena, now dying of thirst, came to the well, the other animals blocked his path. "You laughed at our work," they said, "so now you will thirst from our water." They drove him away into the dry plains. The story is a powerful lesson in Sukuma culture about the importance of community cooperation. Those who refuse to contribute to the community's well-being forfeit their right to share in its rewards.