Water: The Most Basic Need
The basic necessities for human life include air, water, food, and shelter. ICF supports three of these—food, shelter, and water. Today, we focus on water.
In the USA, we take clean drinking water for granted. But more than 2 billion people worldwide—one-third of the global population—lack safe drinking water. In Africa’s rural villages, contaminated water spreads cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid. Children are especially vulnerable.
A Daily Struggle for Water
The World Health Organization estimates that 115 people in Africa die every hour from unsafe water—nearly half are children under 5.
Families rely on streams, ponds, or puddles—the same sources used for bathing, washing, and livestock. Women and children spend hours fetching and carrying this contaminated water, using any container they can find. Imagine risking your health daily, simply to drink.
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” – Hebrews 6:10
The Impact of a Water Well
A local water well changes everything. While it may not match the convenience of our kitchen faucets, it delivers safe, readily available water for entire villages—saving lives and freeing families from daily water collection.
The girl pictured holds two bottles: one dirty, from surface water, and one clean, from an ICF well. The difference is life-changing. In 2020, ICF committed to drilling more than a dozen wells, serving over 12,000 people.
Every well means healthier children, stronger families, and more time for education and work instead of water collection.
Regular giving supports well drilling and other sustainable programs across Africa and India. We call these donors Hope Ambassadors because they bring hope to those facing life-and-death needs daily.
Please know that every gift—large or small—is an answer to prayer and an investment in a child’s life. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Dr. David Bruenning
Founder / Int’l Director