Day 20

2.5 l of drinking water daily for carefree learning in Burkina Faso

More than a drop in the ocean

Clear water for a clear head

Since her 9th birthday, 15-year-old Yeri has left her village every morning before sunrise to fetch water for her family. Balancing a large jug on her head, she walks barefoot for an hour to reach the nearest water source. Recently, however, a smile has begun to creep across her face during the arduous journey. Near the water source lives Youmanli, who often “accidentally” chooses the same path and occasionally throws her a playful glance.

Everything changes when a new deep well is inaugurated in the heart of her village. Young and old laugh, dance, and celebrate, but Yeri sits sadly in the shade of the only tree. Will she ever see Youmanli again?

Meanwhile, Youmanli takes the long path himself. He’s worried, having not seen Yeri at the water source for two days. Just as he considers turning back, thinking he’s lost his way, he hears the distant sounds of dancing and singing…

Fußballspieler Edmond Tapsoba von Bayer 04 Leverkusen erzählt dir von seinem Lieblingsprojekt

need

Secure drinking water supply for schoolchildren and their families in Burkina Faso

activity

Local companies are building three deep wells near educational centers in Burkina Faso to facilitate access to high-quality drinking water for schoolchildren and their families

Measurable performance

Three wells near educational centers for drinking water, industrial water and vegetable cultivation

Result

Schoolchildren and their families (6000 people in total) receive permanent, safe access to high-quality water

Systemically relevant impact

The population has clean drinking water, hygiene conditions improve, the diet becomes more varied and nutritious, and it is easier for children and young people to attend school and learn

background

Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right and a crucial prerequisite for health, economic development, and poverty reduction. Clean water is essential for people to actively participate in society, work, and contribute to the development of their communities (BMZ, 2024). A reliable water supply must first be easily accessible, meaning within a short distance; second, available on demand at any time; and third, free from contamination (ibid.).

However, in many parts of the world, particularly in countries like Burkina Faso, this basic right remains unfulfilled even in 2024. According to the Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Burkina Faso ranks among the least developed in terms of water supply (WHO/UNICEF, 2017). In rural areas, fewer than 35% of the population have access to clean water, with many having to walk significant distances to fetch it. Nationwide, 29% of the population—and as much as 37% in rural regions—must spend at least half an hour to collect drinking water, demonstrating how access to water profoundly limits daily life and opportunities for education or wage labor (WHO/UNICEF, 2022).

For many, fetching water dominates their daily routine, leaving little time for learning or earning a livelihood. The situation has worsened due to escalating terrorist threats since 2022. These groups heavily disrupt daily life and deliberately target critical infrastructure, further crippling the already inadequate water supply system (DBFG, 2024).

Access to clean water is particularly vital for children and youth, not only ensuring their health but also giving them the chance to invest more time in education and learning. This can significantly improve their future prospects and break the cycle of poverty.

The good deed

In Burkina Faso, three new deep wells are being constructed near schools and educational centers, providing access to clean water for 6,000 people. These wells not only meet the demand for drinking water but also support vegetable farming, contributing to a more nutritious diet. Most importantly, they help prevent infectious diseases and improve hygiene, reducing the high child mortality rate and enhancing the overall health of the population.

Shorter distances to water sources free up time for education and work. When children, especially girls, must walk long distances to fetch water, they often miss school, as fetching water is traditionally a task for women. By situating wells near schools, fetching water can be combined with attending classes, ensuring children and teenagers can both study and support their families. Access to clean drinking water also improves focus and cognitive function, helping students learn more effectively.

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