Water Worries

On page 3 you can read about World Water Day, which is happening on 22 March. For many of us, water is easy to access – we simply turn on the tap and it seems as though there is an unlimited supply. It’s safe to drink and use as we choose. But for around two billion people in our world today, this is not the case.

More Than a Drink

In some places, people – usually women and children –have to walk long distances to collect water from streams or natural springs. Often this water is not clean enough to drink – it may contain dangerous bacteria that can make people poorly. But they have no other options.

Around the world, The Salvation Army is supporting communities as they work together to solve the problem. In Malawi, this has included installing boreholes, building toilets, and improving handwashing facilities in schools, health centres and communities. It also involves raising awareness about good hygiene practices.

Water Is Life

In the communities with new boreholes, women and children no longer have to spend a long time collecting dirty water. Now, it is clean and close by.

In the schools with safe, private and accessible toilets, girls aren’t forced to skip class and go home when they are on their periods. And good handwashing facilities with soap and clean water mean boys and girls can stay healthy and hygienic.

Clean water is more than a drink! Access to clean water and decent toilets means children have a chance to grow, to stay in school and ful their potential. It means women have time to build their businesses and people have greater opportunities to thrive. Water is life!