Safeguarding communities through provision of safe drinking water

By: Lerato Brown | Communications and Marketing Manager, Lesotho

In a world where access to clean and safe water should be a basic human right, World Vision is taking a stand to safeguard communities through provision of safe drinking water. World Vision’s commitment to ensuring that every child has the gift of clean water, a source of life and hope, has never been stronger. It's a mission actively being pursued through our Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme.

Clean water is not just a resource; it's a lifeline. It's the foundation for health, education, and prosperity for communities, children and families. It's the promise of a brighter future. But achieving this promise is no easy task, especially in regions where water quality is a pressing concern.

A recent 14 countries WASH evaluation conducted by the Water Institute at the University of North Carolina which focused on water quality in Africa revealed that there were lead traces found in drinking water and that 9 -12 % of boreholes from the samplings carried toxic contaminants.

Following these report findings World Vision was quick to respond by developing ‘Water Quality Protocols’ as a guiding procedure for safe drinking water and the key priorities in these guidelines was that new and existing water sources should be tested for water quality focusing on three (3) parameters i.e.: Bacteriological, chemicals and physical.

World Vision International Lesotho has since embarked on a ‘Water Quality Testing’ training to equip government partners from the Ministry of Health and World Vision WASH technical staff with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure clean and safe drinking water for communities in need. It's a purpose that aligns perfectly with our vision of a world where children and their families can live healthy and prosperous lives.

The training focused on Capacity Building to empower implementing partners and World Vision WASH technical staff with the tools and expertise necessary to conduct water quality testing, inspection, and monitoring effectively; Water Quality Assurance to ensure that both new and existing water sources undego rigorous testing for the three (3) critical parameters as well as Community Impact towards the protection the most vulnerable children and communities from the adverse health effects caused by unclean water, such as diarrhea and waterborne diseases.

The Training was conducted by Robert Bollea, from Wagtech Projects. Robert's expertise and passion set the tone for what would become a transformative training experience. World Vision partners and staff immersed themselves in the intricacies of water quality testing, they learned how to collect and analyze samples, ensuring that the water communities rely on is free from harmful contaminants. From understanding the science behind water quality to practical field testing, every moment of the training was an opportunity to make a difference.

The impact of this training was profound and far-reaching because by equipping technical teams with the knowledge and skills to assess and ensure water quality, World Vision is not just addressing an immediate need; but safeguarding the future of countless children and their families.

Clean water isn't just a basic necessity; it's a catalyst for development. It's the key to reducing the burden of waterborne diseases, improving nutrition, and enhancing educational opportunities, especially for children. With this training, World Vision is turning the wheels of progress for communities that deserve a brighter future.

World Vision partners and staff shared their experiences, filled with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of purpose. Motena Ramphalile, Water Chemical Analyst shared that "This training has opened my eyes to the critical role we play in ensuring clean water access to the communities we serve, I am inspired and eager to take this knowledge back to my community and will forever be grateful to World Vision for this opportunity to be at the fore front to making a difference I the lives of Basotho by ensuring they the have access to safe  and clean drinking water always.”

"This training has opened my eyes to the critical role we play in ensuring clean water access to the communities we serve.."

Mamonts’o Mphatse, World Vision WASH Technician "The field visits were eye-opening. Seeing the impact of our work firsthand has motivated me to give my best every day. I am more determined to play my part through in ensuring regular water testing in World Vision Area Programmes so that we are assured that the most vulnerable children that we serve drink only safe and clean water, this is my calling”.

...I am more determined to play my part through in ensuring regular water testing in World Vision Area Programmes...

In a world where many challenges persist, clean water should never be one of them. World Vision's commitment to this cause remains unshaken. The recent training initiative is a testament to World Vision’s dedication to empowering communities and safeguarding children from the perils of unclean water.  World Vision International Lesotho purchased Trace2o Aquasafe model WSL 50 pro kits water quality testing equipment from Wagtech for donation to the Ministry of Health Lesotho which will be used for physiochemical tests like pH, conductivity, TDS, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, phosphorous and turbidity with the dual incubator allowing for microbiological testing such as Total and faecal coliforms.

Clean water is more than a necessity; it's a right. It's a promise worth keeping, one drop at a time. Together, with its partners, World Vision is ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and grow in a safe and healthy environment.

Join us in this journey of a world where all children have water, sanitation and hygiene | Learn more about World Vision's Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene programme.