WATER IS THE MOST BASIC OF ALL HUMAN NECESSITIES.

An estimated 3,000 people die every day as a direct result of contaminated water with children being the hardest hit. Polluted drinking water claims more lives than all forms of violence combined including war, and claims the lives of more children than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined. Each day, women and children walk miles to collect water that is so contaminated it will kill 25% of her family. The countless hours spent collecting water is time not spent in school, often causing girls to fall behind and eventually drop out.

We can drill a life-saving borehole for about 70% less cost than most other NGO’s, allowing us to provide this most basic necessity for literally pennies per person.

The success of our water program, however, lies in realizing that drilling boreholes or providing water filters is only about 40% of the solution. The most critical step in providing water sources that will remain in operation for a lifetime lies in community education.

When a community is evaluated and identified as a possible recipient, the groundwork is established through education before drilling ever begins. The community is taught and demonstrates an understanding of the value of clean water and the health and economic benefits it brings.

Villagers are also taught about sanitation through proper handwashing and how, combined with a clean water source, it can eliminate 96% of illness their family currently experiences. Community health trainers are identified and taught these principles so that they can continue to teach within the community and within the schools.

Responsibility for the borehole is established and provisions for maintenance are required to be in place before drilling begins.

Either a community maintenance committee is set up with established rules for villagers to contribute funds and an elected villager takes responsibility for maintenance, or an existing or future school takes ownership of the borehole, charging a nominal fee for use.

The school assumes responsibility for maintenance and any remaining funds are used toward school programs.

Boreholes drilled on school property benefit the kids with clean water during the school day and allow them to carry water home with them for their families in the afternoon.

Thousands die every day as a direct result of contaminated water and women and girls walk an average of 4+ miles per day to collect water that is so dirty, she knows it will kill 30% of her family. The same filthy water they walk miles to access is a breeding ground for insects, is bathing and laundry water for humans, and is filled with human and animal waste. Time spent fetching water by these women and children is time not spent attending school or in income generating activities. Not only does clean water save lives, it makes all other necessities possible – food, education, and economic growth. Without clean water, progress is not possible. The best part is that there is a simple solution. For as Low as $3,600 you can sponsor for Several Villages to get a borehole, hence providing Clean and Safe Drinking Water!