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
A student at St. Vicent Buliganwa Primary School in Iganga, Uganda, uses the newly drilled water well provided by Drop in the Bucket.
In Africa Clean Water Changes Everything
At Drop in the Bucket, we believe wholeheartedly in the transformative power of water and education. Today, we want to share an inspiring story of resilience and determination from St. Vicent Buliganwa Primary School in Uganda. Of how providing clean water to a school had a ripple effect, that transformed not only the school but also the entire community.
A Challenging Assignment
Mr. Owino Isaac, the Headteacher St. Vicent Buliganwa primary school
Meet Owino Isaac, a seasoned head teacher known for his commitment to improving schools in rural areas. When he first arrived at St. Vicent Buliganwa Primary School, he was confronted with a staggering amount of challenges. Inadequate facilities, reluctant teachers, a remote location, and illiterate parents who undervalued education were just a few of the obstacles he faced. Determined to make a difference, Owino began devising strategies to enhance the school and attract more students.
St. Vicent’s Dilemma – A lack of clean water
One of the critical issues facing the school was the lack of access to clean water. Both the school and the community relied on a nearby swamp as their water source. Recognizing the potential of a borehole well to not just provide clean water, but also to unite the community, Owino set his sights on getting a well drilled in the village. He had seen its impact in the past and believed it could work wonders at St. Vicent’s.
A Welcome Surprise for St. Vicent Buliganwa
Hope came unexpectedly when a Drop in the Bucket truck arrived at the school. Excitedly, Owino showed our staff around the school grounds, and they identified a promising area for a well. Our dedicated team returned for a survey, and within a few weeks, St. Vicent Buliganwa Primary School had its own well.
Clean Water Changing Lives in Africa
The provision of safe water became a powerful motivator for parents who had been hesitant to send their children to the school. Owino, fueled by determination, embarked on a door-to-door campaign, engaging with parents and children, emphasizing the importance of education. He assured them that their children would have access to clean water and a nutritious meal – a promise he fulfilled by personally making porridge for the students.
A Mother’s Perspective
One mother, Alikooba Margret, had initially enrolled only one child in the school. However, after witnessing the positive changes brought about by the well, she eagerly sent her other children to join. Speaking with admiration, Margret acknowledges Owino’s unwavering commitment to the school. She credits the clean water borehole for transforming the community’s quality of life. The water no longer smells, it is safe for drinking, and it has improved the cleanliness of clothes. Her gratitude is evident, and she attributes her children’s increased enrollment to the provision of clean water.
The Ripple Effect of Clean Water
Owino humbly considers the well as one of his significant achievements. However, his impact extends far beyond this accomplishment. When Owino first arrived at St. Vicent Buliganwa Primary School, he found it shocking that the school had just 12 students. Now, just a few years into his leadership, the school is thriving with 381 pupils. He smiles and confidently states that he is sure the numbers will continue to rise.
The story of St. Vicent Buliganwa Primary School exemplifies the transformative power of clean water and education. Through the dedication and passion of individuals like Owino Isaac and the support of organizations like Drop in the Bucket, entire communities can experience positive change. As we witness the ripple effect of clean water, we are inspired to continue our mission, bringing hope and opportunities to those in need.
Join us in our endeavor to make a lasting impact and create a brighter future for all.
What Happens When A Village in Africa Gets a Water Well?
Ever wondered what happens when a village in Africa gets a new water well? You may have read about the impact clean water makes in Africa, but what does that actually look like? We created a video to show just that. This short video captures the actual moment of hitting clean water in a village in Uganda. The expressions on everyone’s faces speak volumes – you see joy, relief and hope written on every face.
Drop in the Bucket has drilled over 700 wells since 2006, yet each new completion remains a moment of profound joy and transformation. From the relieved expressions on our drillers’ faces to the beaming smiles of adults in the community, and the infectious laughter of children freed from hours of daily water walks, the impact is monumental. Clean water fundamentally revolutionizes rural life, providing not just hydration but also health, sanitation, and the foundation for economic development.
Your donations make these life-changing projects possible. By supporting Drop in the Bucket, you empower communities to thrive with sustainable access to safe water. Watch this video to witness the transformative power of clean water firsthand.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Red Hot Chili Peppers for their invaluable support.
Students celebrate their exciting win at the first annual Drop in the Bucket inter-school quiz competition in Nimule, South Sudan, 2022.
Drop in the Bucket just hosted its first ever Inter-School Quiz Competition in South Sudan. The event included 8th grade participants from five primary schools in Nimule South Sudan. The schools submitted four of their top students to compete – two boys and two girls from each.
For the three weeks leading up to the competition, the DROP team had been immersed in preparations, which also included creating the game, using questions from the South Sudan primary school syllabus.
Students participating in the first annual Drop in the Bucket South Sudan inter-school quiz competition
Rotating between individual and group questions, the students had 30 seconds to answer questions. These were in math, English, science and social studies. The judges awarded two points for each correct answer. A moderator from the local radio station led the game. And the competition was fierce!
The event included a raffle, giving students from the audience a chance to answer a question and win a t-shirt.
A student holds up her raffle ticket
Although, the DROP education program’s mission is to provide vulnerable girls with the opportunity to attend secondary school, the overall aim is to promote education within the entire society. The goal of this exciting quiz-game format was to merge the concept of competition, fun, and learning into one action-packed afternoon.
In the end, the students from Green Valley Primary School took home the cup, along with other prizes. They will return next year to defend their award against the other schools. And if they win two more times, the trophy is forever theirs!
The winning students from Green Valley Primary School hold up their trophy.
A woman gathers clean water from a well in Layik West village, Kitgum, Uganda. Thanks to Africa water organizations like Drop in the Bucket, communities gain access to safe and reliable water.
Layik West – the place where people fight.
Layik West in Uganda has many needs! The village lacks basic amenities like a school, a health center, drivable roads or any kind of police presence. But above all, the community’s biggest issue was their lack of clean water. At the time the village was using a protected spring for water. This is where someone builds a small cement structure around a naturally occurring stream or hand dug waterhole. They insert a metal pipe through the cement and use it to collect water. The cement provides some protection but the water is still groundwater and not safe to drink.
Over time the pipes rusted and the water came out slowly. This made collecting water a slow and frustrating experience. The spring became known locally as ‘Wang ali’ which translates as “The place where people quarrel, or fight”.
Hon Ocaya Denis from Layik West village talks to Drop in the Bucket
One man concerned about the water situation was Hon. Ocaya Denis. He decided to run for local office so that he could help the people of Layik West. “We can wait on the roads, but we cannot wait for clean water!” He says emphatically.
“You never get used to seeing a woman collecting water with pigs standing next to her”
“The spring was also being used by animals. You never get used to seeing a woman collecting water for drinking and cooking while pigs are standing in the same water.” Mr Ocaya said shaking his head. Ocaya decided to become a village leader. He reached out to the local District Water Office who put him in touch with Drop in the Bucket.
Atoo Jamila uses a well drilled by Drop in the Bucket
“We were also watching people crowding the water pipe and quarreling with each other, as they collected water.” agrees Atoo Jamila, a mother of five.
The root cause of the conflict
Another local leader, Kilama Geofrey agrees. “The majority of issues reported to me were trivial quarrels that happened while collecting water”. This led to tension between community members. “We are happy that Drop in the Bucket has finally solved this problem for us”.
Avoid dirty water sources and only drink water from the new well
Along with drilling the new well, DROP’s staff also helped the community form a water committee they trained in hygiene and sanitation. One woman who received training was Lamaro Miriam who volunteered to be a health leader. Now members of the community come to her when they are feeling unwell. “Mothers bring their children to me with signs of typhoid and bilharzia. Unfortunately, I am not qualified to treat those ailments, but I am able to tell them how to avoid getting sick again” she smiles. The most common advice she gives to tell them to avoid dirty water sources and only drink water from the new well.
Lamaro Miriam from the Layik West water committee
“We are very grateful. Many organizations work here in Uganda, but only Drop in the Bucket came and drilled us a borehole” appreciates Lamaro.
Smiling girl from Ajuku in Gulu, Uganda gets clean water from a new well.
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Five Months of Drilling in Iganga District
The DROP drilling team just returned from five months of drilling in Iganga district in southeastern Uganda. As usual, we encountered more than our fair share of challenges. Complicated underground rock formations made drilling extremely frustrating. Deluges of rain had the team ducking for shelter when they desperately wanted to see water flushing up from the ground, not down from the sky. And a one-month delay at the Mombasa port had them drilling with a dull hammer that bounced off the rocks, rather than cutting straight through them.
But the biggest hurdle for everybody was the time away from their families. Our drilling supervisor had a big wedding in the works, our cook received daily calls from her children, and by month five, the whole team was extremely homesick.
The main office struggled to bring them comfort through special meals, extra bonuses, and gadgets to ease the work. Despite everything, they pushed through to deliver twenty-five successful wells in the Iganga District, some for schools with over 1500 children.
According to the team, those victories within the communities made it all worthwhile. Because in the five months they spent in Iganga, they made it their second home, learned the local language, and tasted the traditional foods of that region. They also made friends. When you bring water to people in need, you make lifelong friends. The joy of serving communities – whether near or far – can help overcome the biggest challenges.
Help us help more people with clean water! Your donations make our work possible! Learn more about our mission and impact.
Akecha B – Where Clean Water Helped a Woman Regain Her Dignity
Akecha B village was not an easy place to reach. The only road was more of a footpath than an actual road, so the village was fairly isolated. It was in this village that we met a grandmother named Balvina Akullu. Balvina is a proud woman who loves her children and her 10 grandchildren. Her face lights up with a radiant smile when she talks about them. But Balvina’s life has been far from easy. She has lived in this village her whole life and was here the day the village was attacked by the LRA terror group. Balvina’s husband was killed and her arm was badly injured, she also sustained a head injury. She was in the hospital for two months but was unable to regain full use of her hand, making it difficult to lift heavy objects.
A full container of water weighs approximately 40 lbs, so fetching drinking water became a major problem for this kindly grandmother. “Every day I had to ask for help and soon I had asked everyone in the village. They always brought me water, but the only safe water source was far away, so sometimes my neighbors would bring me clean water but often they would just bring any water they could find.” Balvina often found herself being forced to drink and cook with dirty water that would make her sick. “It was awful, I felt like I was a burden to everyone from the village. I knew I was asking a lot but I needed the water to survive.”
Drilling a Well for Akecha B Village
When Drop in the Bucket came to Akecha B village to look into drilling a well, the buzz around the village was electric but nobody was more overjoyed than Balvina. “The clean water restored my dignity. My neighbors are happy to visit me now and when they come, they always bring me water. The well is close to my home, so now I never have to ask, they just bring it. Now I have all the water I need and it is always clean water.” Balvina wanted to be part of the water committee that manages the well, but unfortunately, she still suffers from memory loss from the attack.
“They remember what life is like without a well and they do not want to go back.”
Nyeko Soloman is responsible for the security of the new well. He shakes his head when he thinks back to the old water source that the village used. “It was a long walk to get to the nearest well, so we dug a hole where we knew there was a natural spring. This water was used by the community, but also by livestock, so it was very contaminated. This new well has changed our whole village”. Nyeko takes his job seriously, he is proud of the fact that the well is always swept clean and that people line up their containers neatly and always keep them clean. He smiles when he points out how gentle everyone is when using the hand pump. “They remember what life is like without a well and they do not want to go back.”
Mr. Owino Isaac, the Headteacher St. Vicent Buliganwa primary school
