Clean Water Transforms Lives

The Hope of Water 

There are still far too many areas in the world that lack access to clean water and safe sanitation. In August 2025, “One in four people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, 3.4 billion lack safely managed sanitation, and 354 million people practice open defecation”. * As Canadians, the things we often taken for granted, like clean water and indoor plumbing can be a dream or even unheard of for so many. Though progress is being made, there is still much to do.  

World Hope envisions a world where people in hard places are empowered with opportunity, dignity, and hope, so they can participate in their own transformation, as well as in the transformation of their families, and communities. Increasing access to clean water in hard places around the world is also a commitment to developing teams of local women and men who will oversee and maintain a newly drilled well.  When clean water comes to a village, so do hygiene and sanitation education and training. This combination is life-changing and life-giving. 

Safe Sanitation Restores Dignity 

Thanks to a partnership between Charity Water and World Hope International (WHI), another community has water, and a 78-year-old blind woman has been empowered. The well gave Adama* access to clean water but she still lacked access to safe sanitation. Without a toilet, she relied on her 8-year-old granddaughter to accompany her to the bush, putting both their health and safety at risk.  

Through this partnership, Adama received the materials needed to construct a private toilet, and her community came alongside her to build it in an accessible and safe area.  In addition, WHI provided hygiene education for the whole community, including handwashing and safe sanitation practices.  

Now, Adama is able to manage her hygiene safely and independently, reducing the burden on her granddaughter. She also has access to clean, safe water for drinking and bathing, which has helped eliminate recurring infections. Her dignity has been restored.  

Clean Water Improves Life  

In another village in Northern Sierra Leone, 200 residents are celebrating that the clean water came. Before the deep borehole well was drilled, Fatou*, a farmer and mother of 4, had to walk over 4 km to fetch water from unsafe sources. This led to frequent outbreaks of waterborne illnesses including cholera, typhoid, and diarrheal disease in her family.  

Now, through the installation of a deep borehole well, Fatou has access to clean water near her home and is able to cook, clean, and tend to her and her family’s personal hygiene needs. The entire village has seen a significant reduction in waterborne illness and overall, the health and well-being of everyone living there has improved. Access to clean water is life changing.   

These 2 wells have restored dignity and health, providing relief and hope.