Many people have been asking about our new water project. Here are the facts about the village we are trying to help!
- We are now working to raise $13,000 to build a well in Niger.
- According to the World Heath Organization, 42% of people in Niger do not have access to water.
- This well will be built in Gapaly Village and will provide fresh water to 120 families.
- Most of the people in Gapaly are sheep or cattle farmers, which means they rely on water not only for their families but also for their animals. During the rainy season, they collect water from a muddy pond, but once this dries up they are forced to walk for more than an hour to collect water from neighboring villages.
- The people in Gapaly walk roughly six miles for water seven months out of the year. This is both exhausting and dangerous.
- Their lack of access to water has led to health and sanitation issues, loss of income from livestock dying, and conflict with neighboring villages during the dry season.
- This well will mean children can go to school because they won’t have to walk miles upon miles to collect water each day. It will drastically reduce or eradicate water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. It means families can plant gardens, which will improve nutrition and add to their food supply. It means women will be able to use their extra time to earn money for their families by making clothes, jewelry, and other goods to sell in the local market.