A faded photo of a child shows her carrying a yellow Jerry can near a muddy pond. This image captures the essence of her early life—a life where her primary responsibility, even at the tender age of six, was not to play or study, but to walk three hours daily to fetch water. Her mother recalls, "The water made us sick, but we had no choice."

Aisha's story is a reflection of a much larger issue. In Nigeria, 1 in 3 people lack access to clean water, according to UNICEF. This scarcity leads to devastating health outcomes, with diseases like cholera claiming the lives of over 70,000 children annually, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). For many girls like Aisha, the pursuit of water means missing out on education, with more than 200 school days lost each year, according to WaterAid. Yet, this crisis is not confined to Nigeria alone—globally, 2.2 billion people live without safe water.

A vibrant photo captures the joyous celebration in Aisha’s village as they gather around a newly drilled well, adorned with a banner proclaiming "Clean Water Project – Funded by Donors Like You!" This well, installed last year, marked a significant turning point for the community:

- Cholera cases dropped to zero within six months.

- Aisha’s school attendance soared, and she quickly rose to the top of her class.

- Women in the village began starting small businesses, capitalizing on the time saved from no longer needing to fetch water.

"Water is life," Aisha states with a hopeful smile. "Now I dream of becoming a doctor."

Investing in clean water yields substantial returns. For as little as #5000, a Nigerian child can have access to clean water for a year. An investment of #8000 provides a family with a water filter that lasts over five years, while #4,800 funds a new well for more than 500 people. The WHO estimates that every Naira invested in water and sanitation results in a fourfold economic return.

Investing in clean water yields substantial returns. For as little as #5000, a Nigerian child can have access to clean water for a year. An investment of #8000 provides a family with a water filter that lasts over five years, while #4,800 funds a new well for more than 500 people. The WHO estimates that every Naira invested in water and sanitation results in a fourfold economic return.

A donor visiting one of the project sites described the experience: "I saw mothers crying when the well opened. It was the best #5000 I ever gave," shared

Tunde D., a donor from Lagos.

Urgent Call to Action

As the next year approaches, the stark reality is that 60 million Nigerians will still need access to clean water.

A poignant image of a child holding an empty cup and looking directly at the camera asks, "Will you help us reach them?"

Consider donating by [TODAY] to have your gift matched 2X. Your support can change lives, just like Aisha's.

to be part of the solution and bring hope to millions in need.