Swaziland Project

Many places are affected by the water crisis. Charities have researched places that are in need of safe, clean water and are finding ways to help them. We have taken big interest in the charity Thirst Project. The Thirst Project has started a project called the Swaziland Project. Their goal is to have everyone is Swaziland have access to safe, clean water. They have built wells and helped 13 different countries and are currently active in 7 countries. They are currently active in India, Uganda, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Kenya and Columbia.

Uganda is one the many places affected by it. Uganda is a small country in East Africa. Uganda is right on the equator making it super hot and even worse for the people living there because they don't have access to safe, clean water to keep them hydrated. Women from Uganda walk for 6-8 hours to get water to drink and the water ends up giving them diseases.

The population of Uganda is about 37.58 million people. More than half of the population in Uganda is under the age of 15. The average life expectancy is 59 years old. This country's infant mortality rate is 69/1000 and the average annual income is about $584.20 per capita. Many women have fallen into the poverty cycle due to not getting an education because they have been going and collecting water instead of going to school.

India is in south-east Asia and has a population of about 1.252 billion people. The life expectancy is about 66-years old. India is the second highest populated country in the world and they are without access to safe, clean water. The child mortality rate is 56/1000. Along with the contaminated water people in this country fall into the poverty cycle. Almost half the population lives on only $1.25 a day and 3/4 of the population live on $2 or less each day. Women and children are at risk of slavery and almost half of high school students drop out before they finish. Bio sand water filters are being installed into homes in India. They should last up to 10 years for a family of four or more people.

These are just two of the 13 countries The Thirst Project have helped or are currently helping. Over $8 million dollars have been donated to this charity and when you donate on their website 100% of it goes to the Swaziland project. Charities have taken action and are now building wells in Uganda as a part of a Swaziland project. These wells can last for up to 40 years if they are maintained. Bio sand filters can last up to 10 years for a family of four or more. Jerry Cans are a cheap way of collecting water. The jerry can could cost from $1-5. Once filled these can weight up to 40lbs and the job of collecting the water falls onto young girls shoulders. They walk for up to 8 hours to collect this water that gives them diseases. Once a well is built they can use the jerry cans to bring clean water to their families at home.

Check out the Thirst Project's website: http://www.thirstproject.org/