Bandundu is the is one western provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and known as one of the poorest in the country. Most people in Bandundu reside in a rural setting where they earn their living as small-scale farmers and fishermen with limited access to basic human needs such as clean water, health clinics, educational institutions, and vocational establishments. Micro-finance in rural areas is almost non-existent.

Typically, a family in the rural zone of Bandundu travels 5 kilometres one way in search of fresh water (this is a 10 kilometers trip which is equivalent to 6.3 miles). Families often make this trip twice daily, carrying containers that weights 20 kilograms of water, an equivalent of 45 pounds.

It is common for children to be sent to collect water without adult supervision leaving them vulnerable, as parents are often working in the fields. This results in very few children attending school and receiving a formal education, as they spend their time travelling collecting water, firewood, or helping on the fields or with chores to sustain the family.

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Our ultimate goal is to provide safe and accessible water for human consumption that is available in sufficient quantity, and affordable, which is a crucial prerequisite for human well-being. Access to clean water will empower the local community by creating a self-sustaining system that will lead to financial independence, health conditions improvement, and ultimately unlock time to dedicate to education. If your thirst to make a difference please donate to Water for Life.

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