Popokabaka - BF Popokabaka WP 6

Congo (Democratic Republic of the)
Photos of the Piped System Tap Stand in Popokabaka - BF Popokabaka WP 6

People Served

250

Thanks To

mycharity: water

Completed

December 2013

Solution Type

Piped System Tap Stand

Local Partner

Action Against Hunger

Field Notes

charity: water projects at schools like this one use clean water as a catalyst to improve the overall health of kids and the surrounding community. That means this school project includes not just a water source, but also latrines, hygiene training and a handwashing station.

Working in the Bandundu region of the DRC presented two challenges. The team at ACF has worked hard through supply chain issues and conflict to complete this project.

In the Spring 2012, a conflict between the Congolese army and other armed forces in eastern DRC forced a migration of refugees into South Kivu, where additional projects were constructed. With the number of internally displaced people quickly increasing, natural resources were at an all time low.

The delivery of pipes and accessories, which includes finding the correct materials, shipping and navigating customs, took extra time. In addition, DRC is a large country -- transporting materials across demanding terrain made delivery complex.

Our partner Action Against Hunger was able to continue their activity on the ground and have since reported a 30% increase in the number of people with access to clean water! In total, 13 schools and 5 health clinics were able to gain access to a safe water source, and many water committees were created who have contact with local authorities. This significantly improves hygiene and sanitation for the communities.

charity: water school projects usually cost more than the average water project because they include hygiene promotion and toilets for students in addition to a clean water source. These students did not have a clean, private place to use the bathroom, which is essential for preventing diseases and keeping kids in school. Your money has provided students here with improved sanitation (toilets), which can reduce diarrheal deaths by as much as 32%. You've also helped build handwashing stations here so students can practice safe hygiene every day.

Girls in developing countries miss up to a week of class each month, or even drop out of school, when they hit puberty because they don't have a private place to use the bathroom or wash during their school day. charity: water invests in separate latrines for girls and boys to ensure privacy and maintain dignity for students. Want a real example? See how toilets at school helped change 11-year-old Khadija's life in rural Bangladesh here.