In Aleng C village, located in the Nwoya district of northern Uganda, access to clean water was once an impossible dream. For families like Auno Kevin’s, the only available sources were two hand-dug waterholes. Positioned at the bottom of a slope, these dirty water sources turned into muddy traps every time it rained.
Life Before the Borehole: Muddy Water and Midnight Walks
Auno Kevin getting clean water from the new well
“It is the muddy water that we fetched for our household needs,” Auno said. “After leaving the water in the jerrican for some time, you could see the mud settle at the bottom.” That mud wasn’t just an eyesore—it represented a daily health risk for the entire community. Even worse, families often walked to the waterholes at night, hoping the sediment had time to settle. Auno remembered one night vividly: “My son had to come with me to light the way with a torch. I was scared for both of us.”
This situation is common across sub-Saharan Africa, where water from unprotected sources like waterholes or stagnant ponds leads to waterborne illnesses. Communities often have no choice but to use it—despite the dangers.
A Lasting Solution: Clean Water from a Borehole Well
Everything changed when Drop in the Bucket drilled a borehole well in Aleng C village. Unlike the previous sources, this deep borehole is protected from surface runoff and contamination. “With this clean borehole water, you have rescued us,” said Auno. “Now, no mass of any substance settles in our jerricans. The water comes out pure and clear.”
Safe, reliable water means families no longer need to wait or walk to the water source late at night. It also means fewer health risks and more time for children to attend school. Borehole wells like this are part of a broader effort by clean water charities to reduce the Africa water crisis one village at a time.
Aleng C’s New Beginning
Today, Aleng C village is thriving in ways that once felt out of reach. The borehole well provides water for cooking, bathing, drinking, and farming. It also brings peace of mind. Auno and her neighbors now take pride in keeping the area around the well clean and safe for everyone to use.
The world today can feel overwhelming, with challenges that look different from place to place. While circumstances may vary, uncertainty and obstacles affect us all. In many parts of the world, women are still fighting for opportunities that others may take for granted—whether it’s access to education, a voice in their community, or a safe place to give birth. At times, progress may seem fragile, but we cannot afford to lose hope—because now, more than ever, the world needs us to keep moving forward.
At Drop in the Bucket, we see that empowering women transforms entire communities. That’s why we are committed to expanding educational opportunities for girls in South Sudan—one of the most challenging places in the world for female education. This year alone, over 250 girls are enrolled in our scholarship program, giving them the chance to stay in school and build brighter futures.
We’ve also launched Safe Spaces, an after-school program where primary-level girls can learn, grow, and dream without fear. Our clean water projects reduce the burden on women and girls who would otherwise spend hours each day walking for water—giving them the freedom to focus on education and village-level businesses. And through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), we help women take control of their economic futures.
A more equal world is possible—one where women and girls have the resources, education, and opportunities they deserve. But we can’t do this without you. Please consider making a donation – your contributions make our work possible.
This past Saturday was International Women’s Day, but through our work, every day is an opportunity to uplift women, expand opportunities, and create a future where every girl can reach her full potential.
A young boy smiles with joy as clean water cascades from the well in Gulu, Uganda, thanks to Drop in the Bucket, a Los Angeles-based water and education charity.
Why Clean Water Is the Most Powerful Gift You Can Give to Africa
Young Girl getting clean water from a well in Gulu, Uganda
To people living in rural Africa, access to clean water represents more than just a basic need—it signifies health, opportunity, and hope. For millions across the continent, clean water is the foundation for a brighter future. Yet, for many communities, the simple act of drinking safe water remains out of reach. Supporting clean water initiatives is one of the most impactful ways to transform lives, empower communities, and create sustainable development.
Here’s why clean water is the most powerful gift you can give to Africa and how it changes lives in profound ways.
Clean Water Saves Lives
Waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid claim thousands of lives in Africa every year, particularly among children under five. According to UNICEF, unsafe water and poor sanitation contribute to 88% of diarrhea cases globally, a leading cause of death in children.
When communities have access to clean water, the cycle of disease is broken. Illnesses caused by contaminated water decrease dramatically, leading to healthier lives and stronger communities. Each borehole or well represents a lifeline, providing safe, drinkable water that prevents deadly diseases.
Clean Water Fuels Education
For many children in Africa, the daily search for water comes at a steep cost: their education. Young girls, in particular, are often tasked with walking miles to collect water for their families, leaving little time for school. Without access to clean water nearby, education takes a back seat.
A young boy gathers dirty water from an unsafe source in Africa. This stark image emphasizes the critical need for clean water and the life-saving impact of giving clean water.
When clean water is available, these girls, can return to the classroom. Education empowers individuals and communities, breaking the cycle of poverty and paving the way for brighter futures. By donating to clean water initiatives, you directly contribute to higher school attendance and improved academic performance.
Clean Water Empowers Women and Girls
Across Africa, women and girls bear the brunt of water collection duties. On average, women spend 200 million hours a day fetching water, often from distant and unsafe sources. This burden not only affects their health but also limits their opportunities for education and economic participation.
Ugandan students engage in hands-on science experiments in their school lab, showcasing the importance of education in empowering future leaders and innovators.
Clean water close to home transforms the lives of women and girls. It reduces the physical strain of carrying heavy containers of water, it frees up time for education or income-generating activities, and it enhances their dignity and safety. By giving the gift of clean water, you empower women to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Clean Water Boosts Economic Development
Access to clean water is a catalyst for economic growth. Without clean water, communities face constant health crises, reducing productivity and straining already limited resources. Adults who are ill cannot work, and children who are sick miss school, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Clean water creates healthier communities where people can focus on work, education, and innovation. Farmers can irrigate crops, businesses can operate efficiently, families can feed themselves and can invest in their futures rather than in medical expenses. Supporting water initiatives is not just an act of charity—it’s an investment in sustainable economic development.
Clean Water Improves Food Security
In Africa, agriculture relies heavily on water availability, with over 60% of the population depending on farming for their livelihoods. However, unpredictable rainfall and water scarcity make food production challenging.
Clean water systems help communities build resilience by providing reliable sources of water for irrigation. With access to water, farmers can grow crops year-round, reduce the risk of famine, and support local economies. The ripple effects are enormous, ensuring families have enough to eat and can break free from hunger and poverty.
Clean Water Promotes Dignity and Equality
Access to clean water should be a basic human right, yet, for millions, it remains a daily struggle. Walking for miles, facing unsafe sources, and battling preventable diseases robs individuals of their dignity.
Providing clean water restores this dignity. It ensures that everyone—regardless of gender, age, or socioeconomic status—has equal access to a fundamental resource. Clean water empowers communities to rise above adversity and claim their right to a healthy, fulfilling life.
The Role of Sustainability in Clean Water Projects
Drilling a borehole (water well) is only the first step. Sustainability ensures these projects continue to benefit communities for years to come. Organizations like Drop in the Bucket prioritize long-term impact by training local water management committees, empowering communities to maintain their own systems.
Sustainable clean water projects foster independence and resilience. They ensure that the gift of clean water keeps giving, helping communities thrive without reliance on external aid.
The Ripple Effect of Clean Water
Clean water doesn’t just change individual lives—it transforms entire communities. When people no longer have to worry about fetching or drinking unsafe water, they can focus on education, entrepreneurship, and community building. The ripple effect touches every aspect of life, from health to economic growth to social harmony.
By donating to clean water initiatives, you become part of this ripple effect. Your contribution doesn’t just provide water—it creates hope, opportunity, and lasting change.
How You Can Give the Gift of Clean Water
Supporting clean water initiatives in Africa is easier than you think. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
Make a donation: Drop in the Bucket has a proven track record of transparency and impact, with over 700 completed water and sanitation projects.
Host a fundraiser: Raise awareness and funds by organizing a walk for water, a bake sale, or a birthday donation drive.
Spread the word: Use social media to share stories, facts, and ways to get involved.
Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the goal of bringing clean water to those who need it most.
Why the Gift of Clean Water Matters Now More Than Ever
With water scarcity intensifying and global health crises highlighting the importance of hygiene, the need for clean water has never been more urgent. In Africa, the stakes are especially high.
By supporting clean water initiatives today, you’re addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time. You’re not just giving water—you’re giving health, hope, and a future to communities in need.
Conclusion
Clean water is the most powerful gift you can give to Africa because it touches every aspect of life. It saves lives, empowers women, fuels education, and drives economic development. It’s a gift that creates lasting change, building stronger, healthier communities for generations to come.
As you consider how to make a meaningful impact in the world, remember that the journey to transformation starts with clean water. Your support can bring this life-changing resource to those who need it most, turning the dream of clean water for all into a reality.
Will you join us in giving the gift of clean water? Together, we can make a difference—one well, one community, one life at a time.
Female students in Nimule, South Sudan, participate in the International Day of the Girl 2024 celebrations, marching with a banner for event sponsor Drop in the Bucket.
International Day of the Girl 2024
This year, Drop in the Bucket proudly took the lead in organizing a special celebration for the International Day of the Girl in South Sudan. With many international NGOs shifting their focus to the enormous influx of refugees due to the ongoing fighting in Sudan—displacing over 5 million people—DROP remains committed to advancing development projects in South Sudan, specifically focusing on girls’ education.
At DROP, we believe that education is the key to a brighter future. This year, we expanded our reach by adding four new primary schools to our program, bringing the total to nine schools. These schools serve as the foundation from which we select scholarship recipients each year. We are excited to announce that in 2024, we plan to award approximately 150 new scholarships to vulnerable and deserving girls, furthering our mission of empowering young women through education.
The event was a vibrant and inspiring celebration. The day kicked off with a parade through town, followed by cultural performances, including traditional dances, poems highlighting the importance of educating girls, and songs that carried messages of hope and resilience. One of the highlights was a heartwarming performance from one school, where the children sang about the economic hardships, shedding real tears as they spoke of the hunger they face—an emotional moment that resonated deeply with everyone present.
Presentations on the Dangers of Gender Based Violence
There were also powerful motivational speeches delivered throughout the day, focusing on the importance of staying in school, with messages for parents to discourage early marriage, a significant issue in South Sudan where adolescent marriage rates are high. Boys joined the conversation too, emphasizing the need to support girls and highlighting the dangers of gender-based violence.
An Introduction to the 7Bs”
One of the event’s most memorable moments was the introduction of a clever acronym shared by the students: “The 7 Bs—Books Before Boys Because Boys Bring Babies!” This playful yet poignant message was a reminder to the girls to prioritize their education and future over societal pressures.
Despite the challenges, the overall tone of the day was one of hope and inspiration, with a clear message that education can transform lives—not just for individuals, but for the country as a whole. At DROP, we are proud to continue championing girls’ education in South Sudan, and we look forward to supporting even more girls in the year ahead.
Together, we are making a difference—one girl, one school, one community at a time.
A girl collects clean water from the well at her school in Paminyai, Uganda, thanks to the efforts of Drop in the Bucket.
Help Us Bring Clean Water to Even More Schools in Uganda This Year!
A new well provides clean water and better health for these school children in Paminyai, Uganda.
We’ve been sharing a lot about our education programs recently, but that doesn’t mean we’ve slowed down on our water well drilling work. In fact, 2024 has been one of our busiest years yet for drilling and we need your help to keep the momentum going!
So far this year, we’ve drilled over 35 wells, bringing clean water to communities in desperate need. But there’s still much more to do. These communities – often forgotten and left out of the headlines – are struggling daily without access to clean water. When we’re able to provide it, the change is immediate and powerful. You see communities come alive: local businesses grow, health improves, and children are finally able to attend school instead of spending hours walking for water.
You Can Make a Real Impact
Our goal is simple but ambitious: we want every school in East Africa to have access to clean water so no child has to miss school to fetch it. We know this goal is achievable, but we need your help to make it a reality.
As we enter the fourth quarter of the year, we are still short of our annual fundraising goal. This is the time when your support can make the biggest difference. By giving now, you’ll help us maximize our drilling impact and reach more communities before the year ends.
In addition to our well-drilling efforts, we’re excited to share that we’re working on a major piped water project in partnership with another NGO. This project will bring 36 water taps to two underserved communities, transforming access to clean water for thousands. We’ll share more when it’s complete, but it’s just another example of how your donations make a lasting difference.
How You Can Help
Every donation matters. Whether you’re helping us fund a new well or supporting a piped water project, your contribution is the key to transforming lives. Clean water doesn’t just improve health, it gives children the chance to go to school, helps local businesses thrive, and strengthens entire communities.
Donate Now and help us bring clean water to even more schools and communities across East Africa. Together, we can make sure that no child has to miss school because of water.
Thank you for believing in this mission and for being a vital part of this life-changing work.
Female students gets clean water from a well at her school in Paminyai, Uganda
New Video on Drop in the Bucket’s Education Program in South Sudan
We recently completed this video on our education program in South Sudan. It does a good job of explaining why a water charity would expand its program to include providing scholarships to girls.
Since Drop in the Bucket started in 2006, our goal has been simple: to help children in sub-Saharan Africa go to school by building wells and toilets in schools. In 2009, we expanded our program to include South Sudan. The reason was simple: South Sudan has fewer girls in school than any other country in Africa.
The Benefits of Education
In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, education is highly valued by parents. However, poverty and limited resources often force families to make difficult choices. Sons are prioritized for education while daughters are often relegated to household chores, including the daily task of fetching water for the family.
Recognizing this disparity, Drop in the Bucket expanded our program to start providing secondary school scholarships to girls. By collaborating closely with local school authorities, we identify high-potential girls who are at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints or cultural norms. Through its scholarship program, Drop in the Bucket provides these girls with the financial support they need to continue their education and realize their full potential.
But why is a water charity providing scholarships to girls?
But why focus only on girl education? Well, when girls go to school, it’s not just good for them. It’s good for everyone! Girls who go to school are more likely to get married later, have fewer children, and are able to do more to help their families and communities. Simply put, education helps people lift themselves out of poverty.
We don’t just stop at scholarships. We also help fix other problems that stop girls from going to school, like not having clean water or toilets. By fixing these things at schools, we make it easier for girls to learn. Girls are usually affected more when there’s no clean water or toilets at school.
In a world where boys often get more chances than girls, we’re working hard to change that. We want to make sure every child, no matter if they’re a boy or a girl, has the chance to go to school. So, we’re asking you to join us in making a difference, one well, one child, and one scholarship at a time.
Acan Margaret, a grandmother from Oturuloya Lagwedola village in Uganda, collects fresh water from a well drilled by Drop in the Bucket, bringing clean water to her community.
How a Water Well Changed This African Grandmother's Life
In Uganda, it is not uncommon for children to be raised by their grandmothers, often when parents are no longer together or both have passed away. Anena Kevin’s family is one such example. Anena and her brother Ezra are being cared for by their grandmother, Acan Margaret. She explains, “I have my two lovely ‘children’ to care for. Their mother separated from their father and had to start working in town.”
Acan Margaret does her best to provide for the children by growing vegetables in her garden. Their mother sends what money she can, but it is never quite enough. The food from the garden helps, but what the family needed most was access to safe, clean drinking water. Their only water source was an open waterhole and they used this water for everything including drinking.
The open waterhole was a stagnant body of water shared with local livestock. The water was green with algae and you could see tadpoles and other visible contaminants. Acan always felt guilty when she gave that water to the children, saying, “Each time I saw them drinking that water, it always felt like I had given them poison to drink. I couldn’t stop them from drinking it because I knew they were thirsty.”
The guilt was exacerbated when her children contracted typhoid and other waterborne diseases. Acan sighs and adds, “I am already old and don’t have much to lose, but my children have their whole lives ahead of them.”
On days when she had the energy, she would make the two-kilometer walk to a well at the nearest trading center to fetch clean water.
The journey was physically demanding due to her age and health, but she persisted for the sake of the girls. Acan recalls, “I used to walk to the trading center while the girls were at school. The walk there with two empty jerricans was okay, but the walk back took longer. It was tough, but it was worth it to see the girls drinking clean water.”
In order to make the return trip more manageable, Acan started carrying smaller containers, but this still only provided enough water for drinking. For all of their other household needs, they had to use dirty water.
Besides the distance, there was also the challenge of navigating the slippery path back up the hill from the well. People often fell while trying to carry the water. Acan recalls, “One time I got stuck about halfway down the muddy slope. It had just rained, and the ground was slippery. I was carrying water at the time, but I could not go forwards or backwards without falling down.” Fortunately, her granddaughter, Acan Evelyn, heard her cries for help and rescued her.
Clean Water Changed Everything for This African Grandmother
Grateful for the change, Acan Margaret remarks with a soft voice, “If it weren’t for you, I would have fallen to my death or broken a leg fetching water.” She is so happy that Drop in the Bucket came to Oturuloya Lagwedola and drilled this a well.
“I am so happy that my family now has access to clean water. Please thank the donor who funded this well and changed our lives”.
A student from the Drop in the Bucket education program in South Sudan makes a heart symbol with her hands at the International Day of the Girl Child celebration 2023.
International Day of the Girl Child 2023
International Day of the Girl Child 2023 was a great success in Nimule, South Sudan, despite the absence of other NGOs that had previously participated in the event. The schools and the community still engaged in a meaningful, lively, and colorful day. DROP provided t-shirts to representatives from all eleven primary schools in Nimule Central Boma, including those schools that we are not supporting, so that those children did not feel left out. The event began with the annual parade, where all the local school children marched through Nimule town and ended at St. Patrick Primary School, where the celebration was held.
“Our Time is Now – Our Rights Our Future”
An Enthusiastic Response- Though a Little Too Enthusiastic
The afternoon was filled with speeches from students, stakeholders, local leaders, chiefs, and parents. DROP has made it a priority to engage the chiefs and parents in activities like this, as well as in our community outreach campaigns to encourage parents to send their children to school. One chief said during his speech that he would arrest any parent who did not send their children to school. However, the Inspector of Schools quickly corrected that statement in his speech by pointing out that there are many reasons parents keep their children home from school. He said that you cannot arrest people who are sleeping hungry because there is no food, much less school fees. He also emphasized the reality that you cannot compare a very young country like South Sudan to its neighbor Uganda, which just celebrated 61 years of independence, growth, and progress.
Some Drama – But The Good Kind
The afternoon’s performances by the school children also echoed the Inspector’s statement, with one group performing a drama about hunger in the country, during which the children all shed real tears. There were also dramas about early marriage. One included the potential bride saying that she needed to stay in school so she could become eligible for a DROP secondary scholarship. But the entertainment was not all heavy and serious. There were also beautiful poems, heartfelt songs, and lively traditional tribal dances that kept the event exciting and engaging. Overall, the afternoon was a poignant reminder that the country is young and has many challenges, but also that the way to a brighter future is through the youth, and educating girls is a major step toward progress.
South Sudanese girls, supported by Drop in the Bucket scholarships, return to school after their summer break.
Back to School in South Sudan
After a well-deserved second-term holiday, it’s time for the students to go back to school in South Sudan. The anticipation and excitement are palpable as our recent photos capture the moments of scholastic materials being sorted and groups of enthusiastic girls loading into vehicles. This year, we are proud to announce that we have nearly 200 girls receiving scholarships, each with a bright future ahead.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
Among our scholarship recipients, we have several standout performers whose academic achievements continue to inspire us. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we look forward to sharing their inspiring stories with you in the coming months.
Holiday Academic Coaching Program
We are thrilled to report the successful completion of our holiday academic coaching program at the DROP compound and dorm in South Sudan. Every holiday season, we bring talented Ugandan teachers to Nimule for two weeks to work closely with our students in key subjects such as math, English, chemistry, biology, and physics. This initiative has significantly boosted our students’ academic performance, and we remain committed to continuing its success.
Exploring a New Curriculum
In pursuit of holistic education, Uganda has introduced a new curriculum that emphasizes practical work, group collaboration, and problem-solving. This innovative approach encourages students to unleash their creativity and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Projects range from building underground fridges and interviewing local businesses to making liquid soap and creating skits and drama. This dynamic curriculum is empowering our students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Empowering Post-Secondary Students
We are excited to share that we are selecting ten high-achieving girls to pursue university education, with a focus on nursing and clinical medicine. These young women are currently engaged in practical training in Adjumani, and we are immensely proud of their dedication and progress. Stay tuned for more updates on their remarkable journey.
University Dreams Come True
Six of our girls are enrolling in university, including Gloria Emman, who overcame challenges to pursue her dreams. Gloria, a promising student in 2019, is now enrolling in Juba University to study human resource management. Her determination is an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to supporting her on this exciting journey.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Our DROP team remains actively engaged in community awareness campaigns, recently conducting training sessions for two Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) groups. The goal is to involve parents and community members in supporting the girls’ education and ensuring they stay in school. Our long-term goal is to graduate 30% of the girls in Nimule Central Boma from secondary school. These efforts are crucial to achieving that vision.
Thank you for your unwavering support of our mission. Your generosity is transforming lives and communities in South Sudan. Together, we are making a difference.
Christopher Acaye proudly sits near the newly drilled well in Uganda, provided by Drop in the Bucket, a Los Angeles-based non-profit.
Clean Water Makes it Possible For a Man with HIV/AIDS to Take His Medication
Meet Acaye Christopher, a spirited 63-year-old man who was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and living with unsafe water in a Uganda. Like many in his village, Acaye used to rely on a local waterhole as their only water source. Small tadpole-like organisms infested the waterhole, making it unsafe to drink. This meant the villagers were constantly getting sick with water-borne illnesses like typhoid.
Living with HIV/AIDS and Unsafe Water in Africa
Christopher was first diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2003 and takes an ARV medication that requires water. On rainy days, the water from the waterhole became contaminated. The contamination forced him to skip his medication.This affected his health, leading to frequent illnesses. Doctors recommended water purification tablets, but he had no money to pay for them.
When Drop in the Bucket drilled a well in the village, everything changed for Christopher. The village now had clean safe water from the new borehole well and Christopher and the other villagers no longer had to worry about contaminated water. He now takes his medication on time and never has to worry about the water he is drinking.
This positive change has rejuvenated Christopher’s life. He’s back to tending his crops and enjoying his improved health. He actively participates in the village savings group and proudly states that he is a member of the committee that manages the new well. Christopher works hard to keep the area surrounding the well clean.
How Clean Water Can Transform a Village in Africa
Christopher’s story is an example of how clean water access can bring joy and health to a community. Christopher is determined not to let HIV/AIDS threaten his life, and he feels the same about unsafe water. Thanks to the new well, Christopher and his village are embracing a brighter, healthier future.
Today, Aleng C village is thriving in ways that once felt out of reach. The borehole well provides water for cooking, bathing, drinking, and farming. It also brings peace of mind. Auno and her neighbors now take pride in keeping the area around the well clean and safe for everyone to use.
After a well-deserved second-term holiday, it’s time for the students to go back to school in South Sudan. The anticipation and excitement are palpable as our recent photos capture the moments of scholastic materials being sorted and groups of enthusiastic girls loading into vehicles. This year, we are proud to announce that we have nearly 200 girls receiving scholarships, each with a bright future ahead.