There are tons of ways to help!

Get the Facts

*The UN defines "improved sanitation" to be access to flush toilets or pit latrines. 1.2 billion people in the world practice open defecation, which poses serious health threats and threats to the safety of women who venture out alone for privacy.

The world water crisis poses a serious threat to all of our futures, especially those living in poverty. It is no coincidence that in Sub-Saharan Africa, both the poverty rate and proportion of rural houses not using improved water sources are over 50%. (Source: UN MDG) The United Nations defines "unimproved water source" as from "lakes, rivers, dams and from unprotected dug wells and springs." The availability of clean water dramatically improves health and, hence, productivity. The lack of water in schools and homes is one of the main reasons children in developing areas do not attend school. Thus, in the future, developing countries will realize a dearth in educated adults. Water is an investment in the future.

See the UN's Millennium Development Goals website and the World Health Organization website for more information.

Hold an Event or Sponsor a Well

After you have spread the word about the crisis, gather a group of friends or involve your community in raising awareness or fundraising.Send us an email at contactus@aspringofhope.org and ask us to send you our documentary, "Water," to show at your home or community center to raise funds and awareness. Tell them about A Spring of Hope's mission, to donate, and to spread the word! Or perhaps your company, church, family, or other group would like to adopt a school. Sign up here.

Are you a student and want to help out?

Whether you are a middle school, high school, or college student, you can make a difference! Register your school here OR...

Contact us at schoolclubs@aspringofhope.org and ask about screening the documentary, "Water," at your school or starting a club. You can sell t-shirts at your event, distribute information about A Spring of Hope and the world water crisis, and ultimately impact another's life. Click to Download all of our information on starting your own chapter of A Spring of Hope at your school.

Spread the Word

We know that stories are the most effective way to let others know about the world water crisis. Look past the daunting numbers and peer into the lives of individuals personally affected by the crisis. We post profiles of students on our blog each year we visit Africa. Read about one girl's life-long struggle with water scarcity here. To your left is Helen. When this picture was taken, she was a twelve-year-old student at Beretta Primary in Acornhoek, South Africa. Helen lost her parents to AIDS and she herself carries HIV. She lives with extended family members in a small home several miles from her school. At home, sanitation is very poor. Her home does not have running water, and the ground surrounding her home is dry. Her family utilizes a hole in the ground surrounded by a thatched enclosure for a bathroom. Yet, they have no water to wash their hands. Helen is especially susceptible to illnesses because of her weakened immune system. Each day she eats a scant amount of bread her family can afford before she walks to school. A Spring of Hope constructed its first well at Helen's school in 2006. Helen eats a substantial lunch at Beretta Primary provided by the school's garden. There, she learns in a clean, healthy environment. Despite Helen's struggles, she is a vibrant, shy, sweet young girl (with a penchant for makeup). Helen is just one of the millions of children around the world whose struggles are exacerbated by the world water crisis. As a charitable foundation, we are working to improve the lives and futures of these children.