Build A Well

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     Charity: WaterAid
     Project: Build 5 Wells In Africa
     Financial Target: £5000
     Status: In Progress

In the developing world 5000 children die every day from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. Millions more suffer from poor health as a result. The daily task of water collection dominates many children’s lives, leaving them with little time to attend school, relax or
play. Living without water and sanitation traps whole communities in poverty, resulting in children having to start work at an early age and receiving few opportunities in life. WaterAid projects free up women and children's time from water collection and improve the health of the community, meaning that they and the next generation have the chance of a healthier, happier future.

Background

In many countries children, particularly girls, are responsible for the collection of water. Girls as young as ten may take the main responsibility for drawing and carrying the family's water. The size of water container can vary according to the age of the child, but each litre of water still weighs one kilogram and may need to be carried for up to three or four miles. Where there is no clean water source available, they have to collect water from contaminated sources such as muddy pools, which harbour harmful bacteria.

Where there is nowhere safe to go to the toilet, people have to defecate in the open. Children's faeces left lying around pose a severe health risk, particularly when they are close to the house where small children play. The health risks are increased where children do not understand the importance of good hygiene and have not been taught to wash their hands after defecation and before eating.

In many countries children, particularly girls, are responsible for the collection of water. Girls as young as ten may take the main responsibility for drawing and carrying the family's water. The size of water container can vary according to the age of the child, but each litre of water still weighs one kilogram and may need to be carried for up to three or four miles.

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