On average, that woman walks about 6K, or 3.7 miles, to get water for her family. Depending on the size of that jerrycan, she’s carrying up to 44 pounds when it’s full. And carrying water that way could have long-term negative health effects.
News & Stories
Clean Water Stories
Special Features
Water within reach: Compare two 5-year-olds’ walk for water
APRIL 11, 2017, KENYA — Cheru and Kamama live in rural Kenya, and like millions of African children, they help their mothers carry water every day. Though the 5-year-olds live just 16 miles apart, for one, getting water is a three-hour struggle; for the other, it’s a seven-minute stroll. Walk with them.
From the Field
What’s in the water will make you sick
Monica is like millions of women in Africa who carry home dirty water from a waterhole. What’s in the water makes her children sick.
From the Field
Walk for water: Moms bear the burden when water is scarce
Two Kenyan mothers desire education, independence, and health for their daughters, but only one has assurance her daughter’s life can be better than her own.
Voices
Walking with the poor: Solving the global water crisis
Rich Stearns reflects on how when you partner with World Vision, you are walking with the poor. Mothers, fathers, and children feel your love and support across the miles. And with that comes a sense of God’s love. Knowing they’re not alone in their struggles lightens their load.
From the Field
World Water Day: Every 10 seconds one person gets clean water
As we commemorate World Water Day, March 22, World Vision celebrates reaching its 2020 goal to bring clean water to one person every 10 seconds. Well-drilling teams, engineers, geologists, and community leaders in dozens of countries worked tirelessly through 2016 to accomplish that goal three years ahead of schedule. Ultimately, we hope to provide access to clean water to every person in every community where we work around the world.
From the Field
How’d they do that: Make a tip tap for handwashing
Contraptions called tip taps, which provide clean water for handwashing, are simple to build with easy-to-find materials. Try making one with your family!
Voices
Podcast with members of Foster the People, MTV’s ‘Scream’
In this podcast, hear about a trip with members of Foster the People and MTV’s “Scream” to see the moment when water arrived in a Ugandan community.
From the Field
Blessings overflow: Clean water makes Everlyn’s future bright
Everlyn’s in school, her mother’s garden is thriving, and her family’s faith is stronger. Child sponsorship and clean water have made all the difference.
From the Field
Despite fear, Nivesh walks for water
Though she fears being abducted and killed, 11-year-old Nivesh gets water from a stream in southern Zambia three times a day to keep her family alive.