Stories of impact

Dispatches from the Field

Each week, we'll share an update from our Water Programs team about how COVID‑19 is affecting our work around the world.

The Slade family is at it again!

10 years of video holiday cards.
And a lifetime of impact.

The Water Crisis is a Women's Issue

Access to clean water changes life for women and girls around the world.

Let the Journey Begin!

Take your adventure to the next level with these kid-approved interactive resources.

No shame. All gain.

With access to water, sanitation, and hygiene resources, women and girls can reach their full potential.

Max S.

Most likely to exceed expectations.

Josiah

Arav

Most likely to become poet laureate.

Nora

Most likely to change the world with $8.15.

Riley

Most likely to never eat beans again.

Nathaniel

Most likely to show up at your front door with a popsicle.

Aadhya

Most likely to pass along the inspiration.

Noa

Most likely to win an Oscar.

A Hope that Lasts

Sensors set a new standard for the functionality of water points. They also give families confidence in the future.

"Between Heaven and Earth"

How clean water and one determined English teacher are changing futures for kids in rural Nepal

Bigger Dreams for Kids Around the World

For kids in developing countries, clean water means better health, more time in school, and the opportunity to dream bigger.

What We Wish for Our Children

Parents around the world dream of better futures for their children. In almost every case, it starts with education.

“Not Unless You Wash Your Hands”

A lesson in sanitation from a 12-year-old in Niger.

What Helen Taught Us

She told us that clean water made her feel beautiful then. Her story is even more beautiful today.

The 15-Year-Old President

Meet the most confident and determined young woman in Mozambique.

Running the numbers

A look at how even the smallest of donations can make a big impact.

Helen's Community: 12 Years Later

What was once a rural home to hundreds is now a center of commerce in northern Uganda, complete with new businesses, electricity, paved roads, and bigger dreams.

Twice as Many Appointments in Mali

Umu Bouare isn’t the only hairstylist in her village, but she has to be the most likable. Sitting on the quiet, well-shaded porch of her home, she welcomes customers in with an infectious smile; it’s no surprise that she has multiple appointments each day.

Run for Clean Water in 2022

In a single month, women and girls living in rural communities will walk an average of 111 miles for water. Do you think you can run 26.2? 

Healthy crops beneath her feet. A college education on the horizon.

Khloeum spent more than 20 years dreaming of clean water. She and her husband, Meng Morn, worked as hard as they could to reap a profitable harvest from their vegetable garden.

“Something Magnificent”

On a recent trip to Senegal, an engineer’s passion inspires our team

"Our classes will always be clean..."

With every question answered, assignment graded, and heart mended, teachers craft a brighter future.

When We Are Well

The burden of dirty water on mental health.

Every Father's Dream

Clean water brings a father in Madagascar more time with his daughters

Little Hands, Big Impact

Summit Elementary School funds clean water for 1,000 people

You’re Making History

Celebrating more than 15 million lives transformed

Losing Her Dream, Finding Her Purpose

A conversation with hydraulic engineer and professional soccer player, Vanessa Kara

The Disaster Next Door

What do you do when the “global” water crisis becomes local?

Little by Little

Clean water helps a mum in Madagascar build her business and find her calling

It’s Never Too Late

A great-grandmother in Uganda changes her habits and her community

The Ghosts of Dirty Water Past

One woman’s haunting walk for water.

Forward Forever

What an old safe taught me about sustainable development

Uncommon Courage: When Water becomes a Warzone

In unthinkable circumstances, mechanics in Ethiopia continue to restore access to clean water

22 Reasons to Celebrate '22

Last year proved the power of community.

From Zimbabwe, with Love

Everywhere we look, love is on full display

The More You Know: Sierra Leone

We're taking you on a tour of Sierra Leone.

Field Notes: Volume 1

An Interview with Water Programs Manager, Megan Renfro

Hope for the Harvest

What a community garden taught us about the power of generosity

Blood is Thicker than Water

Maya Devi is an example of how motherhood (and clean water) changes everything

The Wonder of Water

Water’s positive effects are well-known, but not felt by all

Field Notes: Volume 3

A post-trip interview with Cubby Graham and Bailey Jurgens

Between “Before” and “After”

Good things come to those who wait. Great things come to those who work.

Protecting the most vulnerable from COVID‑19

In the midst of a global health crisis, 703 million people lack access to the one thing they need most: clean and safe water.

The Shared Work of Water

In this small community in the Kenema District of Sierra Leone — and in every community, everywhere! — keeping clean water flowing is a team effort.

A House Reunited

For a decade dirty water stole health, time, and family from Mariama Jr. Now, she’s in charge.

What we talk about when we talk about water-borne illness

Stick with us. This is a good story, not a gross one.

The Numbers Are Improving, but There’s Still Massive Need

Thanks to the global water sector and supporters like you, the number of people without access to clean water has decreased from 771 million to 703 million.

What Love Looks Like

When love and social norms face off, there’s no contest. Love wins.

Found it! Something We Can All Agree On

There’s no question: we live in a world divided.

Water that’s green in all the right ways

That’s why sustainability is the very heart of our strategy for what gets built, where (and by whom).

Water Talks x Aveda’s Director of Mission Partnerships and Engagement

Celebrating our partner’s most exciting Earth Month yet!

All Smiles for Clean Water

Every year, Smile Generation inspires friendly competition among its offices to raise funds for clean water.

See your full potential with Lifetime Impact

Measuring Clean Water Impact in Data-Scarce Environments

How charity: water is using data from the most rural communities on earth to end the global water crisis.

Advancing education with clean water in Bangladesh

A long-awaited water system in southern Bangladesh brings better health and more time to students

Waiting for clean water in one of the harshest places on Earth

Why we’re working to change the course of 2020 for families in Mali this September.

The path to progress

How charity: water’s work advances nine of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals