More than 300 million Africans lack access to clean, safe drinking water. Poverty stemming from climate change, ethnic conflicts, political instability, and other manmade causes has resulted in an epidemic that affects countless men, women, and children who are forced to live without proper sanitation and other basic needs. Sub-Saharan Africa suers from the greatest levels of water stress with just 60 percent coverage. To help resolve the lack of available clean water in Africa, many projects and initiatives have launched and continue to make a difference in the lives of millions of people.
Africa’s Water and Sanitation Crisis
There are limited sources of safe and clean drinking water available to the population of Africa, especially in rural communities. Many African families rely on surface water for both drinking and sanitation. Unfortunately, most surface water sources in Africa contain pollution, resulting in frequent illnesses and deaths. Groundwater is Africa’s best option for acquiring clean water as it is naturally protected from dangerous contamination. However, the cost to drill water from fresh, clean sources is too high. Groundwater can also succumb to bacteria and heavy metals and therefore must be monitored regularly which poses another expense.
Africa is a naturally arid continent and many of the existing bodies of water are currently controlled by more than one government. Nearly all of the freshwater bodies in Africa are polluted to some extent, and unlike more developed areas, there are no treatment facilities to improve the quality of water. The water table across the continent continues to recede every day and more and more African countries become desperate for fresh water. A general lack of education regarding the importance of proper water quality also impacts people across Africa.
Clean Water Projects and Initiatives
As the importance of bringing clean water to Africa becomes more widespread, more and more organizations are stepping up to the plate. Not only are they making a difference in the lives of numerous Africans by helping provide a source of clean, safe water, they are also changing the way that people think about water and not taking this precious resource for granted. Many of these organizations work directly in Africa to drill wells, create rain-water harvesting systems, or develop spring protection systems. Others have launched health education programs and installed water filtration systems designed to trap viruses, bacteria, and other harmful matter.
Many African charities and organizations rely on donations, fundraising, and public support to provide these essential benefits to Africa These organizations aim to raise support to provide these essential benefits to Africa. These organizations aim to raise awareness of this important cause and encourage their supporters to start their own clubs and fundraisers. The primary aim of these organizations is to provide people in Africa with a better quality of life by improving sanitation and hygiene practices. This can be achieved in a number of ways, such as by building dams or rain-catching equipment. It also means building relationships with communities to maintain clean water solutions.
The Last Well Charity in Africa
The Last Well is a charity for Liberia, West Africa with a mission to provide access to safe drinking water for the entire nation of Liberia. Created by a group of young Christian adults, the organization has a steady vision of eliminating water scarcity in Africa by the year 2020, while also taking the Gospel to all of Liberia. Why Liberia in particular? Liberia is regularly named in the group of poorest countries in the world, and The Last Well aims to help families in this challenging place.
Over the past 10 years, The Last Well has helped more than 2 million Liberians gain access to safe drinking water through the implementation of more than 8,000 safe drinking water projects. To reach their goal of bringing water to the entire nation of Liberia by the year 2020, The Last Well still needs to reach about 4,000 communities. While there has yet to be a developing country that has safe drinking water for all of its citizens, The Last Well is trying to change that. Since starting in 2011, the non-profit organization has continued to gain momentum and support across the globe.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways you can get involved with a charity for Africa. Whether you prefer to volunteer, provide a one-time gift, or offer monthly support, your contributions make a real difference. There are also fundraising opportunities designed to raise money and awareness. Prayers are also welcomed and encouraged. By getting involved, you are doing your part to help transform the lives of millions of Africans while also helping to eliminate preventable water-related diseases and deaths. For more information about clean water projects in Africa or to learn how you can help the cause, contact The Last Well today.
