The Need for Clean Water

Water is life—and in Uganda, it is an urgent need. Clean drinking water and water for sanitation are essential not just for health, but also for the overall success of students in school. Unfortunately, many schools in rural Uganda lack a reliable water source, and the consequences are dire. Without clean water:

1. Students, Especially Girls, Suffer from Health Issues: Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery are rampant in schools without proper water sources. Girls, who are already disadvantaged in many ways, are often more vulnerable to health risks due to their unique hygiene needs.
2. Girls Miss School During Menstruation: The absence of safe and private water facilities means that many girls miss school during menstruation due to a lack of clean water for menstrual hygiene management. This significantly impacts their education and limits their opportunities.
3. Lack of Cleanliness Affects Learning: Poor hygiene in schools leads to unclean environments, which can result in absences and lower academic performance. Teachers and students cannot focus on their work if they are sick or in an unsanitary environment. Schools without adequate water also struggle to maintain the cleanliness of classrooms and toilets, further hindering learning.
4. Water Scarcity Limits Opportunity for Growth: Without water, schools cannot thrive. It affects the ability to grow food for school meals, which are vital for many students, particularly in underprivileged areas.

The Solution: Rainwater Harvesting Systems and Water Tanks

We are raising funds to install rainwater harvesting systems and water storage tanks in schools across Uganda. These systems will provide the clean, safe water needed for:

• Drinking Water: Ensuring that children have access to safe, drinkable water every day.
• Sanitation & Hygiene: Facilitating hand-washing and hygiene practices that are critical in preventing disease.
• Menstrual Hygiene: Giving girls access to water to manage their menstrual health, reducing absenteeism and promoting equal educational opportunities.
• Clean School Environments: Allowing schools to maintain clean classrooms and facilities, promoting a conducive learning environment.

A rainwater harvesting system, when properly implemented, can collect and store large amounts of rainwater, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution. It requires basic materials like gutters, down-pipes, and tanks, as well as proper installation and maintenance to ensure long-term functionality.

Why Your Support Matters

The estimated cost for setting up a complete rainwater harvesting system for a school in Uganda is between UGX 8,000,000 to UGX 20,000,000 ($2,100 – $5,400 USD). This includes the cost of water tanks, gutters, down-pipes, installation, filtration systems, and labor. By helping us raise these funds, you will:

• Improve Access to Clean Water for hundreds of children, providing a vital foundation for their health and education.
• Empower Girls by providing the tools they need to manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity, ensuring they don’t miss school because of lack of water.
• Promote Sanitation by reducing the spread of waterborne diseases, allowing schools to maintain cleaner, safer environments.
• Support Sustainable Development by implementing rainwater harvesting systems that can continue to serve schools for years to come.

How You Can Help

Your donation will go directly towards the installation of rainwater harvesting systems in schools that need it the most. Even a small contribution can make a significant difference.

• $50 can provide the materials for a basic first flush diverter and filtration system.
• $500 can provide a 5,000-liter water tank to ensure a school has clean water.
• $2,000 can provide a full installation of a rainwater harvesting system in a school.

We also welcome corporate partnerships, grants, and in-kind donations that can help make this initiative a success. Every dollar counts, and together, we can create lasting change.

Closing

With your generous support, we can provide a better future for thousands of children in Uganda. Access to clean water is more than just a basic need—it is a right that can unlock opportunities for education, health, and a brighter future. By contributing to this cause, you are helping to lay the foundation for a healthier, more educated generation. Together, we can change the lives of girls and boys across Uganda.

Thank you for standing with us in this vital cause.