Access to clean water saves roughly 16,000 lives every week, yet many remote villages in South Sudan still go without this basic necessity, leaving communities vulnerable to preventable diseases, chronic poverty, and limited opportunities for education and economic growth. TEL International, in partnership with local organizations, is working to change that by drilling a well in a rural village that will provide clean, safe water to about 750 people. Alongside the well, we will offer hygiene education, teaching villagers how to care for their water supply and prevent contamination through proper sanitation practices, including regular handwashing, safe water storage, proper waste disposal, and the importance of personal cleanliness to reduce the spread of disease.
The community faces two major challenges: the lack of clean water and limited knowledge about how to keep water safe. These issues affect everyone, but the burden falls most heavily on women and children. In areas without access to clean water, women and girls must walk long distances to collect it, sacrificing time that could be spent in school or earning income. As a result, girls often drop out of school, and women lose opportunities for economic independence. Meanwhile, children—are at high risk of dying from preventable waterborne illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water.
Our project addresses both the physical need for clean water and the critical need for education on personal hygiene. Since 2014, TEL has incorporated hygiene training into every village where a well is drilled. In many of these communities, people have never been taught how handwashing can prevent disease, or how simple practices like brushing teeth, trimming nails, and cleaning jerry cans can protect their health and the safety of their water source.
The long-term impact of clean water and hygiene education extends far beyond health. With a reliable water source, communities begin to thrive. Schools, markets, and health clinics can be established. Girls no longer miss out on education because of time spent collecting water or managing menstruation without proper knowledge or supplies. Women gain time and freedom to work and support their families. Children grow up healthier, free from the threat of deadly diseases like diarrhea. This project will lead to greater gender equality, economic self-sufficiency, and a brighter future for 750 people.
Want to get involved? Make a donation, create a fundraiser or consider sending this article to your friends. If your friends tell their friends, who tell their friends – that’s a whole lot of friends. So join us on Facebook, Twitter, and share our latest stories, blogs and posts. Your support and sharing our story with your friends helps us achieve our mission. Answer the call today and fulfill Jesus’ mandate to be in mission.