water

During times of drought, water-related diseases are rampant. Women and children often walk up to six hours to find and collect water because most surface water sources such as springs and ponds dry up. Remaining water sources are heavily contaminated by environmental waste, such as human and animal excreta, which is washed in when it does rain. Then, the abundance of stagnant water serves as a breeding place for mosquitoes.

Water.org’s mission is to bring the power of safe water and sanitation to all. Part of our work is to fulfill this mission in Ethiopia. Where we work in Tigray, farming grain crops supports sustenance and livelihoods. And, families with access to water at home are better-equipped to maintain their own health and the viability of their crops.

Here we see children turning a mound of teff into playground as they climb and jump from the pile. Because their families were able to farm an abundant crop days end with the kids playing about the harvest and helping to separate the grains from the plant. 

As Water.org continues to serve people in Ethiopia, our work has expanded to meet the needs of all poor. We do not view the poor as a homogenous group, however a diverse group; some of whom have the potential to finance their own solutions and define their own futures.

While undeniable circumstances mean charitable dollars are the only way to establishing a well for some, WaterCredit is a proven financial solution millions have used to tap into their own power as customers, to finance water taps, wells, rain barrels, and toilets for their homes.

Removing the obstacles that stand between people and water or a toilet, WaterCredit is helping end the water crisis for communities in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, the Philippines, and now for people of Ethiopia who have the power to be customers, and deserve the power of safe water.

WaterCredit is a new way to apply smart thinking to the world’s water problem. It’s the first program to put microfinance tools to work in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector (what we call WASH). To learn more, go here.

Deep in the rural hills beyond Sullana, Peru families make their homes on the high grounds above the banana farms and rice paddies. Children walk a few kilometers down dusty dirt roads to attend classes, and at the end of a warm winter’s day, return home for chores and more importantly, play. 

Off with the school uniform and backpack, the boys at Martina's house throw on blue jerseys, lace up their cleats, and rush out the front door for a game of soccer. After designating a goalie, they all warm up by taking free kicks. 

Back at home, mothers like Martina prepare for dinner, but not before they take a moment to watch their children play. 

Recently on our @instagram we shared a photo of Sarmanah's hands and the story of her life; much of which was focused on gathering and carrying water for her family in Indonesia. Today, we share the hands of a child who's story is very different from Sarmanah's. With access to safe water through @Water.org, this child will do more than collect water...she will play.

(Click here for Sarmanah’s full story.)

Across India – as in much of the world – the burden of collecting water falls squarely on the shoulders of women and girls. Making it hard to survive, and even harder to prosper. 

Access to safe water doesn't just provide women with one of life's necessities; it can unlock the possibility of a whole new life. 

That’s why Water.org is working to ensure long-term safe water solutions to the 77 million people of India who lack access. 

"Today, far too many children aren't getting a healthy start in life just because they don't have access to safe, clean water." -Jonathan Spampinato, IKEA Foundation