It would be easy to share a list of global water stats with you for World Water Day 2022. But that wouldn’t do the water situation justice. Instead, we want to put these stats into context. Our friend Janet is a single mother of two amazing girls living in the at-risk community of Dok Odek, Omoro in northern Uganda. Within her story, you’ll find 6 surprising facts about water and how they impact the lives of so many like her around the world:
How Facts about Water Impact Real People around the World | Janet’s Story
Janet dreamed of owning a farm and growing produce for her family. She longed to spend more time with her growing daughters who would soon leave home. She also hoped to build deeper relationships with those in her community. Instead, she spent over five hours1 in search of water. Unfortunately, the only water available was contaminated surface water that caused chronic illnesses and suffering for her family.
Each week, Janet spent between 35-42 hours2 hauling around a hefty jerry can—which only holds about 5 gallons—to split between the household for drinking, cleaning, and cooking. The backbreaking, spirit-crushing work left little time or energy for anything else. This wasn’t how Janet envisioned motherhood. She wanted so much more for herself and her girls.
771 million people3 around the world can relate to Janet’s story. For those without a household or community water source, the average walk for water is about 3.7 miles4 a day, half of that distance loaded down with a 42-pound water container5. For many, long lines, rough terrain, and lack of footwear make that trip even harder.
At 4africa, we’re committed to reversing those stats through multi-year partnerships with vulnerable communities in East Africa. To date, we’ve provided community access to clean, safe water for 482,890 people6.
But we aren’t just committed to the numbers; we’re committed to the people. Our hearts are for mothers, fathers, and displaced refugees like Janet who long to lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. Clean water paves the way for better health, educational and job opportunities, and restored family relationships. And with 4africa, it also means eternal hope found in Jesus—the cornerstone of our mission.
Water Stats: USAID
4africa is for water…and more!
The global facts about water show the need, but the water crisis goes beyond clean water. Accessibility, health, and hygiene are equally important to restoring health in communities like Janet’s. As our drilling team conducts preliminary hydrogeological surveys and prepares sites for new community water wells, other local 4africa team members coordinate health and hygiene sessions (WASH program) and train community leaders in various health advocate roles.
At the same time, our ministry team works with local churches and community leaders to establish small-group Bible studies and ministry programs. We actively live out the gospel as we serve alongside the community, building it up and empowering them to create the lives they envisioned.
Every 4africa program is part of a concerted effort to care for people holistically—body, mind, and soul.
Now that Janet’s community has access to clean, potable water right outside their homes, she is proud to share her happy beginning (because this is not the end of her story):
“I can truly say that the work 4africa has done here in Dok Odek has changed all aspects of my life. Who knew that we would one day be fetching from a borehole right in the middle of the village? God is truly good! I am also so happy with 4africa’s approach because they haven’t just given us water but have also taught us more about hygiene and sanitation to help us improve our overall health. Personally, I have been selected as a Community Health Cluster Leader for ten households and we are working hard to construct new hygiene and sanitation facilities. Above all, I am grateful that I am now born again [in Christ]. I made this decision through the Discovery Bible Study that started at the borehole, and today, I am an active member in my church!”
Now, all three of Janet’s hopes have come true: she can work near her home, spend time with her growing family (her oldest is now married), and deepen her friendships within the community. Best of all, she’s found eternal hope, purpose, and identity in Jesus.
Facts about Water Reversed | Tapping into Life’s Most Essential Resource
At 4africa, we strategically plan to drill or rehabilitate enough water points so there’s at least one handpump per community to provide a minimum of 85% water coverage for the operational area. That means everyone in the area can walk less than an hour for clean, safe, and potable water.
For example, when we began work in our Yumbe operational area in 2016, 26% of the population lacked access to clean, safe water. As of 2019, that number had decreased to 20%, with 80% using and storing clean water, handwashing stations with soap, and sanitary drying racks.
We’re excited to help reverse the stats in our newest operational area, Omoro, too so families like Janet’s can receive hope, healing, and health!
Participate in World Water Day with 4africa!
Surprised by these facts about water? You can help make clean water readily available for vulnerable communities in East Africa by participating in World Water Day 2022 with 4africa. Learn more at World Water Day.
