When you drill water wells halfway around the world, you need a partner you can rely on, a partner with integrity and the ability to not only do the work, but also ensure that the wells drilled continue to be operational and that the people served continue to thrive. World Vision does all that and more.
World Vision (WV) is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world. It operates in 100 countries and is highly respected for its disaster relief efforts around the world. While it is a faith-based, Christian organization, it serves people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. The WV employees on the ground in Niger are all locals, and they bring a deep, personal understanding of how best to assist the people of these communities.
A survey conducted in 2003 by one of World Vision’s partners in the Greater Afram Plains of Ghana sought to determine how many of World Vision’s drilled wells were still functioning, since some of them were constructed as early as 1990.
Results showed that 92.5 percent of the 1,668 wells surveyed still had functioning hand pumps, and 94.5 percent of the wells were still providing an adequate supply of safe water.
These results are encouraging when compared to UNICEF studies. The estimated failure rate of wells drilled by other organizations in sub-Saharan Africa is 40 percent to 50 percent after three years, and 80 percent after five years.
WASH stands for “Water, Sanitation, Hygiene,” and it is something we are dedicated to. Working with our partner World Vision, our WASH programs approach the world’s challenges for safe water, improved sanitation, and good hygiene in an integrated manner.
Providing safe water means ensuring high water quality to prevent water-related diseases and providing a water source close to homes. Sanitation involves both physical infrastructure, such as latrines, and the use and maintenance of the sanitation facilities. Good hygiene is the practice of cleanliness, like hand and face washing, to prevent disease.
Drilling a well is only the first step in saving lives. Education on good sanitation and hygiene practices must be part of the equation to truly impact the health of a community.