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Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Program

Every Drop Counts: Bringing Clean Water to Africa

Water is the essence of life, yet millions of people across Africa still lack access to this fundamental resource. Without clean water, families face deadly waterborne diseases, children miss school, and women spend hours collecting water, time they could use to care for their families or earn an income. Access to clean water is a cornerstone of life, and we are proud to back initiatives that provide this essential resource to people across Africa.

Access to clean water is a cornerstone of life, and we are proud to back initiatives that provide this essential resource to people across Africa..

The WASH Program: Building Healthy Communities

The WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Program addresses critical sanitation and hygiene needs in African communities. Our efforts create healthier environments and lasting change.

What the WASH Program Includes:

  • Sanitation Facilities: Constructing latrines and toilet facilities in schools and villages.
  • Hygiene Education: Teaching families about handwashing, safe water use, and disease prevention.
  • Sustainability Training: Empowering communities to maintain their water and sanitation systems.

  • Clean Water Development: Construct new wells, protect spring water, and repair non-functional wells. 

The Role of the Clean Water Program

As part of the WASH initiative, the Clean Water Program has worked to provide safe, accessible water to rural communities in Africa.

The program includes: 

  • Building wells to provide clean water.
  • Repairing non-functional water points to restore access.
  • Protecting natural water sources to ensure sustainability.
  • Educating communities about sanitation and hygiene practices.

Over the past 27 years:

Our Impact in 2025

The Clean Water Program has completed 84 projects, providing safe drinking water to an estimated 70,342 people in Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Kenya, and Sierra Leone.

Here’s what we’ve achieved:

  • Repaired 19 water wells in Ethiopia and 14 in Sierra Leone.
  • Implemented 15 spring water protection projects in Uganda.
  • Drilled 14 new wells and built two school latrine projects in Malawi
  • Constructed 11 wells in Zambia and seven in the DRC.
  • Constructed one well in Kenya and one in Cameroon.

Every project is designed with the unique needs of the community in mind, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

    A Story of Change: The Bikoro Primary School Well

    Students attending a school on the shore of Lake Tumba celebrate access to clean water

    At Bikoro Primary School in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 1,500 students once relied on contaminated water from Lake Tumba. Without a clean water source, cholera outbreaks devastated the school and community.

    Thanks to your generosity, we funded a well equipped with a human-powered pump, bringing safe, clean water to the students and surrounding families. In addition, hygiene education sessions were conducted to teach students and their families essential practices for staying healthy.

    This is the difference your donation can make—clean water, better health, and brighter future

    Help Us By Donating Today!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does it cost to build or repair a water well?

    A new water well costs an average of $8,000 to build, while repairs typically cost $2,200. Your donation, no matter the amount, helps provide clean water to communities in need.

    How many people does one water well typically serve?

    Each well provides clean water to approximately 3,000 people, improving health, education, and daily life by eliminating the need for long, unsafe walks to fetch water.

    Will I receive updates or photos of the project I helped fund?

    Yes! We believe in transparency and donor engagement. When you fund 100% of a new well , you will receive updates and photos throughout the construction process and after completion so you can see the direct impact of your generosity.

    How do you decide where to build or repair wells?

    We prioritize communities, schools, and health centers that lack access to safe drinking water. If an existing well—originally built by another organization—needs repair, we evaluate its condition and feasibility for restoration. Key factors in our decision-making process include:

    • The community’s need for clean water
    • The well’s current condition and original construction date
    • Necessary repairs to ensure long-term functionality
    • Consultations with local water authorities to confirm the waters

    • Consult local water authorities or health offices about water safety and costs.

    What happens if a well breaks down? Do you provide maintenance?

    We believe in long-term sustainability. That’s why we:

    • Involve local community members in the construction and planning process
    • Establish water user committees to oversee the well’s maintenance
    • Train local repair personnel to ensure quick fixes when needed
    • Encourage small community contributions to a local repair fund, ensuring future maintenance is covered

    Once a well is fully operational, responsibility for its upkeep is handed over to the community, empowering them to maintain access to clean water for years to come.

    Can I dedicate a water well in honor or memory of someone?

    Yes! We welcome donors who wish to dedicate a well in honor or memory of a loved one. To do so, donors must cover 100% of the cost of a new well, creating a lasting legacy of clean water access.

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