Water That Saves Lives
The Miracle of Clean Water Wells
Lokiliri and her family were among the nearly 60 percent of South Sudan’s population who struggle to live with no clean water available to them.
Lokiliri would trek for six miles every day to reach a small, muddy watering hole—water shared by both people and animals. She gathered the dirty water in a heavy container for her family’s washing, cooking, and yes—drinking. Then she would haul it on the long trek back.
What’s more, Lokiliri faced danger every day that she made the perilous trip to the watering hole. Women traveling along the secluded route were sometimes assaulted. Can you imagine risking assault just looking for water?
Even after such a risk, the water she collected wasn’t safe to drink, teeming with bacteria that were dangerous to Lokiliri and her family. Over time, each of her three children was stricken with life threatening illnesses.
More Clean Water Than Ever Before
Last year with the partnership of our supporters, we were able to drill 50 clean water wells across Sudan and South Sudan – the highest number we’ve ever built in one year – and more are planned in 2026. The difference a well makes in a community is immense. Its impact is lifesaving and long lasting.
Here are some ways one well changes an entire community:
Clean water saves children.
One in every ten children in South Sudan dies before their fifth birthday. One of the main causes is consuming filthy water. Clean water saves children from these needless deaths.
Clean water protects women and girls.
Women and girls across South Sudan face perilous treks in search of water. Having a well in their community protects them from facing this risk every day.
Clean water helps children and girls go to school.
Children who aren’t sick from waterborne illnesses can go to school. Girls freed from hauling water for hours each day have time to go to school–greatly improving their opportunity to rise from poverty.
Clean water enables a sanitary and hygienic way of life.
Families with a community well can drink, bathe, cook, and wash dishes in safe water and avoid deadly contamination.
Wells safeguard families during dry season.
In the annual dry seasons, families face tremendous hardship finding water. A well protects the entire community and sustains families during dangerous droughts.
When clean water came to Lokiliri’s village, her oldest son, 16-year-old Oler, had been fighting near fatal dysentery. It left him on the verge of death for months.
He now stands strong and tall and no longer suffers from symptoms. Thanks to people like you, their family is now blessed with clean, pure drinking water.
There are thousands of stories like Lokiliri’s—families completely transformed by the gift of clean water. Communities sing, dance, and celebrate for joy when it comes into their lives. For these families, the day a clean water well is christened in their village is truly miraculous.
These stories of lives saved are made possible by people like you who support Sudan Relief Fund’s clean water initiatives and other transformative programs. Thank you for saving lives like Lokiliri’s family, and so many others.
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