(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating World Water Day. Led by U.N.-Water, the organization that coordinates the United Nations’ work on water and sanitation, the day has been honored on March 22 every year since 1993.

The day focuses attention on the importance of safe, clean water while advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. While serving as a reminder of the global population who suffers from water-related issues, the day also sets calls to action to prepare for the management of water in the future.

Each year, U.N.-Water sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. This year’s theme, “Groundwater – Making the invisible visible,” focuses on finding and safely using available groundwater. It’s noted that groundwater supports drinking water supplies, sanitation systems, farming, industry and ecosystems. But in some places, groundwater is over-used and polluted. In other areas, it’s unknown how much groundwater is available. Groundwater will play a critical role in adapting to climate change.

U.N.-Water estimates that worldwide more than 2 billion people are living without access to safe water. One in four primary schools has no drinking water service, with students using unprotected water sources or going thirsty. In addition, U.N.-Water notes that more than 700 children under age 5 die every day from diarrheal disease linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.

“Many places around the globe lack safe clean water for drinking, cooking and other needs,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “In response to this ongoing water crisis, Salesian Missions has continued its “Clean Water Initiative”—which makes building wells and supplying fresh, clean water a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.”

In honor of World Water Day, Salesian Missions is highlighting completed water projects that have impacted youth and entire communities.

GHANA

Close to 5,000 people in villages across the Bono region of Ghana have access to clean water thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions for seven projects.

Close to 5,000 people in villages across the Bono region of Ghana have access to clean water thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The seven projects, part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative,” provided new boreholes, hand pumps, and in a few of the projects, water tanks to the villages.

Water remains one of the main challenges in the Bono region. Access to the nearest available water sources is several miles from these villages. The residents, mostly farmers, depend on stream water for all their needs and have to share it with grazing animals.

The health and social implications of utilizing this water are having devastating effects on the community. Residents have waited for a long time for a better and cleaner water source for drinking, cooking, and other activities, and they are appreciative of the support and assistance.

Leticia Gyan, a community resident in the village of Nafa Nkwanta, said, “It has been our dream and we have been praying about it. It is really difficult to find drinking water here when the stream dries. Sometimes we have to go to Senase, a community 7 km away, to get some water for drinking. So, we have to ration it otherwise. When we finish it, we have to walk through hills and valleys to reach Senase in order to get water again. I think now we can also bathe. I am very happy. We are all happy.”

NIGERIA

In Nigeria, Father Anthony Ekezie, who oversaw a water project, noted, “The new water sources have brought back life to thousands of poor women, girls, boys and men in the four rural villages.”

People living in four poor communities in the Kebbi State of Nigeria have access to clean water thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The project, part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative,” provided borewells in the communities of Koko, Tarsha Dan Isah, Tunga Noma and Tunga Dikko.

Prior to this project, people in these communities had to use dirty pond water and depend on unhygienic stream water and rainwater. In addition, women and children were responsible for searching for water far from their homes, which put them at risk of violence.

Father Anthony Ekezie, who oversaw the project, noted, “The new water sources have brought back life to thousands of poor women, girls, boys and men in the four rural villages. Now, people have access to safe water and can obtain the recommended daily water consumption of the United Nations. Apart from having clean water to drink, the people have enough to adhere to the regular washing of hands to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other infections.”

PAKISTAN

More than 1,100 students and 100 teachers at Don Bosco schools in Lahore and Quetta, Pakistan, have clean drinking water thanks to donor funding from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.”

More than 1,100 students and 100 teachers at Don Bosco schools in Lahore and Quetta, Pakistan, have clean drinking water thanks to donor funding from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.”

In Lahore, a commercial reverse osmosis purification system was added on the roof of Don Bosco Technical School along with a water tank and pump. An old water system was also repaired on the roof of the hostel and the Salesian residence. In Quetta, the project provided water dispensers and a demineralizer with an adequate capacity.

Naveed, a student, said, “I am studying electrical DAE in the Don Bosco Technical Center. I really like the water from the new purification plant. Thank you very much.”

Salesian schools in Quetta and Lahore offer quality education and an innovative teaching style. Salesians first started providing education in Pakistan in 1998, and today, their educational centers are considered some of the best education in the country.

ZAMBIA

The Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” project in Zambia provided a new borehole, 22-foot-high tank stand, solar pump and water reticulation network within the parish premises.

St. James Parish in Chimese, a village in Zambia, has clean water thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The project, part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative,” provided a new borehole, 22-foot-high tank stand, solar pump and water reticulation network within the parish premises.

Chimese is a large village of approximately 6,500 people. Most families own a shallow well that dries up each October to January. The new water project drilled a hole deep enough to provide water year-round.

St. James Parish is made up of people in Chimese and 15 other surrounding villages who will utilize water from the new water pump. More than 500 people come to the parish on Sundays and can use the water facilities. There are also more than 200 children who attend St. James Pre-School, most of whom are orphaned or children of single mothers.

In Chimese and the surrounding villages, women and children are responsible for fetching water for their families. Musonda Chishala is an orphaned child who had to walk almost half a mile daily for water, causing him to miss time in school. Chishala now draws water from St. James Parish and is able to use the rest of his free time for studies and recreation. Along with Chishala, children at the pre-school can now use the toilets and drink water during the morning break rather than using pit latrines and drinking water from shallow wells and buckets. Hygiene has improved at the pre-school as a result.

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Sources:

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

GHANA: Close to 5,000 people have access to clean water thanks to the Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’

NIGERIA: Project provides clean water for drinking, hygiene

PAKISTAN: Students and teachers benefit from clean water project

Salesian Missions

World Water Day 2022

ZAMBIA: Parish has clean water access thanks to the Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’

The post WORLD WATER DAY: The Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’ ensures access to clean, safe water first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating World Water Day. Led by UN-Water, the organization that coordinates the United Nations’ work on water and sanitation, the day has been honored on March 22 every year since 1993.

The day focuses attention on the importance of safe, clean water while advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The day also serves as a reminder of the global population who suffers from water-related issues and sets calls to action to prepare for the management of water in the future.

Each year, UN-Water sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. This year’s theme, “Valuing Water,” focuses on the environmental, social and cultural value people place on water. UN-Water also launched a digital campaign with the hashtag #Water2me for people to tell their stories about what water means in their own lives.

UN-Water estimates that worldwide 2.2 billion people are living without access to safe water. One in four primary schools has no drinking water service, with students using unprotected water sources or going thirsty. In addition, UN-Water notes that more than 700 children under 5 years of age die every day from diarrheal disease linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.

“Water is essential for life, which is why Salesian Missions has made it a priority that Salesian programs around the globe have access to safe, clean water for the health and safety of those we serve,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “Improving water access brings a sense of dignity to children and ensures that teachers and students are working and learning in an environment that promotes proper hygiene and has safe drinking water. This reduces the number of waterborne illnesses that can affect those in our schools, keeping them away from important study time.”

In response to this ongoing water crisis, Salesian Missions has continued its “Clean Water Initiative”—which makes building wells and supplying fresh, clean water a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.

Currently, Salesian Missions has two water projects in need of funding. Salesians in the West African Province are aiming to improve clean water access for the three Nigerian villages of Ishienu Amofu, Ohuani-Amofu and Imeoha Nkerefi. Constructing boreholes and a water system will improve clean water access for children, women and families in these rural communities. In Ebibeyín, Equatorial Guinea, Salesians have requested help to improve access to clean water in 18 rural villages where they are serving the people living in these remote communities. There are roughly 3,000 people at each site who would benefit from the new wells and holding tanks.

In honor of World Water Day, Salesian Missions is highlighting completed water projects that have impacted youth and entire communities.

BURKINA FASO

The “Sun Helps Us Succeed” project is providing drinking water using a solar pump in Burkina Faso.

The Don Bosco Center in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, has clean drinking water powered by solar electricity thanks to funding from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.”

The “Sun Helps Us Succeed” project is providing drinking water using a solar pump. There had been a borehole dug and water tower ready, but the pump was required to complete the project. Photovoltaic installations are very appropriate in the area because it is sunny the whole year.

Opened in October 1993, the Don Bosco Center includes a technical school with 306 students and a home, which has 25 young people, ages 15-24. The youth center is frequented by close to 600 youth each week. The Don Bosco Center is open in the evening as a place for youth to gather and study. The center uses 30 solar energy lamps because there are so many local power outages and electric bills are very high. Using solar energy is a huge cost savings for the center.

To help support the new water access long-term, Salesian missionaries are charging a small fee to those from outside of the center grounds who come for large amounts of water, exceeding 50 liters each day. This will ensure the maintenance of the water tower equipment.

MONGOLIA

At the Catholic mission station of Shuwuu, Mongolia, at least 300 families use the mission’s well because they have no other clean water access.

Salesian missionaries have been operating the Catholic mission station of Shuwuu, Mongolia, for the past four years, but families who live in this district have been accessing water from the Catholic mission since 1998. Throughout the year, people from the countryside come to the well to stock up on drinking water to take to their homes.

At least 300 families come to the well because they have no other clean water access. In many places in Mongolia, water is a rare commodity and is often brought to villages by tanker trucks. Services like this are especially popular with families and young people in Shuwuu, especially during challenging times.

Brother Andrew Le Phuong, director of the Salesian planning and development office in Ulaanbaatar, said, “Our hope is that clean water services and the other initiatives of the Salesians in Mongolia will become better known and attract more and more generous people around the world to contribute to our mission.”

NIGERIA

Funding from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” provided for the implementation of a new borehole for clean water in Nigeria.

People living in the Nkerefi community in the Enugu state of Nigeria have access to clean water thanks to funding from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” The funding provided for the implementation of a new water borehole. This will contribute to the livelihood of the local community, curtail the outbreak of waterborne diseases and infections, and help reduce the rate of women and infant mortality.

Clean water is a scarce commodity in Nkerefi.  The majority of families depend on a small, brownish stream called Evuna that partially runs through parts of the villages. The Evuna stream is the only accessible water source for drinking, bathing, washing and cooking. The stream is seasonal, however, and dries up during the dry season. As a result, there is a severe shortage of potable water as few people can afford to develop wells due to the cost and the hard nature of the soil.

In addition, the Evuna water has been clinically confirmed to not be hygienic for consumption, especially drinking. The stream has been a source for waterborne-related diseases. There have been outbreaks of cholera, ringworm, tapeworms, acute diarrhea and dysentery linked to the water. Typhoid fever is also a disease among the inhabitants of the community, and each year there are a number of women and children lost to the disease.

PHILIPPINES

Water project in the Philippines included installation of pipelines, construction of a raised stand for the water tank, and installation of a water tank and motor pump.

The Salesian St. John Bosco Parish, in Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental, Philippines, has access to clean water thanks to a new project funded by the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” The new water supply will serve the Salesian Youth Center, kindergarten, parish office and rectory. The project included the installation of pipelines for a new water source, construction of a raised stand for the water tank, and installation of a water tank and motor pump.

The Salesian parish population serves close to 15,000 people, 90 percent of whom are poor subsistence farmers and sugarcane plantation workers. The majority of the people depend on the government for the basic services that are, more often than not, inefficiently delivered.

Inside the parish compound, Salesian missionaries operate a kindergarten program, which prepares disadvantaged children for formal education. Among elementary students in the Philippines, children who attend kindergarten fare much better academically than those who don’t. However, most kindergarten programs are operated by private institutions that require tuition fees. Most parents in Minoyan only earn a meager income for food which leaves nothing for the cost of education.

In addition to classes, Salesian missionaries also offer pastoral activities and gatherings, requiring a steady water supply for the parish. Prior to the project, the Salesian parish received its water supply from an old source that was also supplying water to a large number of households in Minoyan, leading to an inadequate water supply for the parish.

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Sources:

BURKINA FASO: The Don Bosco Center in Bobo-Dioulasso has new solar water pump for clean water access thanks to funding from Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

MONGOLIA: Families have clean water for drinking, cleaning

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

NIGERIA: Borehole project supplies clean water, prevents disease

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

PHILIPPINES: Clean water for youth center, kindergarten and parish

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

World Water Day 2021

The post WORLD WATER DAY: Salesian Missions highlights work of ‘Clean Water Initiative’ first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The day focuses attention on the importance of safe, clean water while advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The day also serves as a reminder of the global population who suffers from water-related issues and sets calls to action to prepare for the management of water in the future.

Each year, UN-Water sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. This year’s theme, “Water and Climate Change,” focuses on how the two are linked.

UN-Water estimates that worldwide 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and by 2050, the world’s population will have grown by an estimated 2 billion people, pushing global water demand up to 30 percent higher than today. One in four primary schools has no drinking water service, with students using unprotected water sources or going thirsty. In addition, UN-Water notes that more than 700 children under 5 years of age die every day from diarrheal disease linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.

“Water is essential for life, and it’s critical that Salesian programs around the globe have access to safe, clean water for the health and safety of those we serve,” says Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “Improving water access brings a sense of dignity to children and ensures that teachers and students are working and learning in an environment that promotes proper hygiene and has safe drinking water. This reduces the number of waterborne illnesses that can affect those in our schools, keeping them away from important study time.”

In response to this crisis, Salesian Missions has continued its “Clean Water Initiative” making building wells and supplying fresh, clean water a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.

GUINEA

Sacred Heart Parish in the Diocese of Ebebiyín in the Republic of Guinea, a French speaking province in West Africa, has clean, fresh water thanks to a Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” project. The water well project is one of 18 planned for the area once funding is secured.

The province of Kie-Ntem, in which the Diocese of Ebebiyín is located, is in Guinea’s northeast and has a population of 263,000 people. The area is especially rural and its provincial capital Ebebiyín is 221 kilometers from the next larger city of Bata. In this remote, impoverished diocese there are a number of parishes where the population lives without safe drinking water.

Salesian missionaries hope to alleviate this crisis, increase sanitation, improve the health of children, and supply clean drinking water by constructing wells and cisterns in 18 rural sites.

The villages rely on agriculture and livestock but are unable to achieve more than a subsistence economy. Even though the only water available is of poor quality, it is impossible for residents to purchase commercialized mineral water. The poor quality water is consumed daily without any guarantee for health and often results in harmful consequences. Digging water wells and installing water tanks ensure that people have the clean, fresh water they need.

INDIA

Students attending the Don Bosco College, located in Golaghat, Assam, India, have access to clean, fresh water thanks to a recent water project funded by Salesian Missions donors. The project is part of Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” which funds and initiates projects to bring clean water to Salesian centers and programs around the globe.

Don Bosco College provides vital education and housing for 150 boys and 180 girls. The high demand for water has the college struggling to provide sufficient supply. Salesian Missions funding enabled Salesian missionaries at Don Bosco College to facilitate a project that included drilling a borewell that provides adequate water for drinking, hygiene, and meeting the basic needs of those attending and working at the college.

MALAWI

Don Bosco High School in Nkhotakota, Malawi, is able to provide clean, fresh water to its students and staff thanks to funding from Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” The funding was utilized to dig a borehole and install a solar pump, providing water to the school.

Don Bosco High School was launched in direct response to the need for education for youth in the southwestern part of Nkhotakota. The school started with 88 students and six teachers. Today, Don Bosco High School has 378 students across four grades educated by 20 teachers. More than half of the students are from the local community, but the school does board 160 students.

“The biggest challenge the school faced was the chronic lack of regular water supply for both our boarding and day students,” said Father J. Czerwinski. “Although the school is near a large lake and connected to the town water source, there were still acute water shortages every day. The town supply is very erratic and unreliable. This caused problems for our students including a lack of proper hygiene, a health hazard, and no water for cooking and drinking.”

Fr. Czerwinski added, “Because of that, we turned to Salesian Missions for the help and assistance, and through donor funding, we were able to drill the borehole and add a solar pump to solve our water challenges.”

NIGERIA

Five communities in Nigeria have clean water access thanks to donor funding through Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” The borehole projects have been completed in the Nigerian states of Bagbe, Litaye, Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Imo. Due to geographic conditions, there is very little potable water in this region. People are forced to travel long distances to access clean water for their daily needs or rely on rain and river water, which can sometimes be contaminated.

The five new boreholes will provide clean water, reduce outbreaks of waterborne diseases and eliminate the need for traveling hours each day in search of water. More than 20,000 poor children and families will benefit from this life-saving project.

TANZANIA

Students at the Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute for Telecommunications, Electronics and Computers, located in Arusha, Tanzania, have clean water access thanks to Salesian Missions donors. Through Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative,” donors have provided the funding to drill a borehole and test water capacity, build a water tower and install a new water tank, and supply and install a water purifying system.

The Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute serves poor youth and young adults, many from local tribes. A sustainable source of clean water will enable students and staff to fight waterborne diseases, endure the dry season and cultivate the land for food.

Providing a source of technical training for Tanzania’s youth, the institute consists of a 15-acre campus that offers the most advanced training technologies in the region. Its innovative education model is based on a hands-on and student-centered approach to learning with full access to modern learning equipment simulating real-world practical experiences. It is also registered and accredited by the National Council for Technical Education and awards successful graduates with a three-year National Technical Award Level Six diploma.

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Sources:

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

GUINEA: Sacred Heart Parish in the Diocese of Ebebiyín has clean, safe water thanks to Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’

INDIA: Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” provides clean water for Don Bosco College Golaghat thanks to donor funding

MALAWI: Don Bosco High School has clean, fresh water thanks to funding from Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’

NIGERIA: More than 20,000 people across 5 communities have access to clean water thanks to Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’

Salesian Missions

The post WORLD WATER DAY: Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’ ensures youth around the globe have access to clean, safe water first appeared on MissionNewswire.