“Water is Life, and Clean Water Means Health.” – Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn is most recognized as an actress but was also a passionate humanitarian and children’s rights advocate. Her quote (above) conveys the critical importance of clean water:
The Facts of Clean Water
The World Health Organization estimates that 115 people in Africa die every hour as a result of unsafe water – nearly half of which are children under the age of 5. Diseases from contaminated water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.
In Africa, villagers often rely on surface water (streams, ponds, or even puddles) for water. These sources of water are also used for bathing, washing, and for livestock. As a result, the water is often tainted and not suitable for drinking. However, the villagers collect this water and use it for cooking, washing, and yes – even drinking. Searching for and carrying water is commonly the responsibility of women and children (as shown in this photo below). Using every imaginable container, they carry water back to their homes and their families. Imagine spending a significant portion of your day just trying to fulfill this basic need – and being forced to rely on a water source that is likely to cause illness.
“but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.” – John 4:14
Now imagine the impact of a local water well. A water well can service an entire village for years to come. It will not only save lives but will allow the villagers to use the time previously spent on the daily routine of finding and transporting water for more productive tasks.
ICF recognizes the critical importance of clean, safe, accessible drinking water for children and their families in Africa and India. As such, this has been a pillar in our missionary programs. During our current fiscal year, ICF has supported the drilling of 13 new water wells. This will provide thousands of families with access to this critical resource where it did not previously exist.
Safe drinking water is something that we tend to take for granted but in much of the world, it truly is the difference between life and death.
The Impact of Water Wells is Enormous
Two of our recent water wells were drilled in rural India – one located in Kethaveerunipaduwell and the other in Konayapalem. These are remote locations where villagers previously had no access to a local source of water. Before these water wells were drilled, the villagers were forced to walk several miles to another village and to carry the water back to their homes and families. This is a very difficult job under any conditions, but just imagine doing this when the temperatures are 120 degrees, as is often the case in this area.
The impact of these water wells has been enormous … literally life changing. Hundreds of families now have access to safe clean drinking water within their village. As a result, they will no longer suffer from widespread illnesses associated with contaminated water and the time/effort previously spent on gathering water can now be used for a more productive task.
Together We Make A World of Difference
Please join us in our efforts to help make a sustainable difference in the lives of desperately poor children and their families. For more information, please visit our website at www.icfaid.org or call our office at 920-729-5721.
Please know that every gift, no matter how large or small, is an answer to our prayers and an investment in the life of a child.
Thank you and God Bless,
Dr. David Bruenning
Founder/Int’l Director
Fund the forces helping meet the needs.