Project
Working alongside Enliven Mama Africa, Sumillion will be funding wells for 2 rural schools based in the Atwima Kwanwoma District. The Education Office in Ghana provided a medium-term report last year which specifically highlighted lack of access to potable water as a concern for these schools, so in addition to providing the wells, we aim to reduce waterborne diseases, enlighten students on the dangers of drinking contaminated water, and improve access to the water for the wider community.
Challenge
Rural schools in Ghana have a serious problem with access to potable drinking water. Despite efforts from the government, NGOs, and many private organisations, many particularly rural schools still do not have access to potable water and so must resort to drinking from contaminated streams nearby.
Following consultation with the Education Office and the Planning Department of the Atwima Kwanwoma Assembly, the schools in most dire need have been identified. The chosen schools are only able to drink from contaminated streams; this contamination is caused by local animal-keeping practises, with slurry seeping into the waterways. This exposes the students to waterborne disease including cholera, typhoid, amoebic and bacillary dysentery. These communities recorded the highest rate of infection, with waterborne diseases found in 72% of the population.
Solution
By providing mechanised boreholes for these schools, clean water will be available for not only the students but also the wider community. For the 80% of rural schools that do have access to potable water, hand-dug wells can only serve a maximum of 500 people. By opting for mechanised boreholes, although more expensive, we can increase this number to 2000-7000 people – serving both the school and wider community to the benefit of everyone.
Impact
Whilst the immediate impact of providing clean, drinkable water is obvious, the wider community benefits are of equal importance. Water provides not only life, but clean water is health. Clean water provides access to opportunities you may not otherwise have should you also be battling poor health. Clean water is a basic human right and will allow these children to safely continue their studies for the beginning of a long and happy life.
THIS PROJECT SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
