Charities: WaterAid and why we want to help!

Everyday we get up, turn on the tap and expect the water with out a second thought. In this country it is so easy to take access to water for granted, whenever we want it is available. It is hard to imagine going through a day without the instant access to water and sanitation but this is what millions of people across the world are doing day after day.

The money we raise from our marathons attempt will go towards helping WaterAid provide water and sanitation to Uganda. We have chosen to help Uganda after being shocked by the statistics within the country. With sanitation coverage of 79%, water supply coverage of just 52% and life expectancy of only 43 years, (figures from wateraid.org) this country needs help and fast!

Uganda is situated on the equator between the East and Central African Rift Valleys. The country is very poor and lies 44% below the poverty line (2000), and it relies heavily on its agriculture. This is why bringing sustainable water supplies to this country are so important. WaterAid now works in partnership with non governmental organisations (NGOs) to implement water, sanitation and hygiene education projects.

These projects include creating simple and sustainable water technologies that then can be built and maintained by communities themselves; including shallow dug wells, spring protection, rain water harvesting and other sanitation options.

The money we raise will go to continuing the work of WaterAid in this country, hopefully creating a number of these water technologies in the communities that desperately need it. There is no question that the scale of this problem is enormous but by sponsoring us and helping WaterAid, your money will be going directly to those who need it. It is a matter of life or death!

Statistical information provided by WaterAid.org