Close your eyes for a moment and imagine waking up thirsty. You walk to the kitchen, turn on the tap…but nothing comes out. Or worse, the water that flows is dirty. Drinking it could make you sick. There is no other option.

For millions of families, this is their daily reality. 

Water is not just a matter of health—it is a matter of dignity. Being able to wash your face in the morning, prepare a safe meal for your children, or clean a wound—these should not be privileges. They are rights.

Clean water does more than save lives. It is the key to development. Without it, a community’s progress comes to a halt. Children miss school due to illness, mothers spend hours collecting water instead of generating income, and hospitals lack the most basic resources to ensure proper healthcare.

“When clean water reaches a community, everything changes!” – Dulce Maria Polanco De Paz

When clean water reaches a community, everything changes! Water drives opportunity, growth, and stability.Children can study without interruption. Mothers can work and contribute to their family’s income. Small businesses thrive. Health improves. A simple well or a purification system can transform entire generations. 

Because water is not just about quenching thirst—it is about hope.

Providing access to clean water is an act of justice. It is the bare minimum needed for every person—no matter where they were born—to live with dignity and real opportunities for the future.

Water is hope!

For 2.2 billion people in the world, clean water is barely a dream. When water is scarce and unsafe, food security is threatened and the cycle of poverty accelerated. Here in Canada, most of us have “the maximum” access to clean water—meaning it’s safe, on the premises, and easy to access whenever we need it. For us, clean water has become both an expectation and an afterthought. But for families in our partner communities, clean water is a scarcity and a treasure. From healthy children and thriving families to education, food, and stronger communities, water is life and water is hope.

Water is… Healthy Children

Halima is in Grade 3 and thriving! But this wasn’t always the case. Because of poor hygiene in her community, she used to fall sick often. Her community lacked toilets and access to safe drinking water. “I learned a lot about the importance of health and personal hygiene. Since FH installed latrines, showers, and a handwashing station, our family has been using the toilet regularly, washing hands with soap, and drinking safe water.” For Halima, water is a healthy future.

Water is… a Thriving Family

Yut’s family collected water from a pond for dishwashing, laundry, and handwashing. They woke at 4 AM to collect drinking water from distant wells. Waterborne diseases made them sick and caused financial strain. Receiving a water filter and water storage jar along with hygiene training allowed Yut’s family to focus on making an income and going to school. “Improved health enables me to support my son’s education and benefit our daily lives!” For Yut, water is a thriving family.

Water is… Education

“Water is life!” exclaims the head teacher at Cyahafi Primary School. His students used to fetch dirty water from a wetland, delaying classes, exhausting children, and spreading waterborne diseases. But a new FH water point now gives 600 students safe, clean water right in the school! Twelve new latrines provide sanitation and a school garden grows irrigated vegetables. Students are healthy and succeeding! For the Cyahafi Primary School, water is education.

Water is… Food

Gervais’ land went barren in the dry season. They lost food and income, and had to purchase water to grow anything. FH Rwanda built a water pump and irrigation system and trained Gervais to use it. His farm thrived and income tripled! “I now have access to water at home and can meet my family’s needs. I maintain a kitchen garden, allowing us to enjoy a balanced diet every day.” For Gervais, water is food for his family.

Water is… Strong Leadership

“I was losing the respect of my community. People were drinking contaminated water—it was a big blow to me as a leader.” Joseph is a 72-year-old retired teacher serving in local government. He wanted to keep his promise to deliver clean water, but the district didn’t have the funds. Then Joseph worked with FH to drill two boreholes in his community. “I feel so blessed because the legacy of my family is now restored by water... My community is very happy, too—the money they spent on treating waterborne diseases is now invested in farming and school fees.” For Joseph, clean water is being a strong leader.

Clean water saves lives. You can give water and hope to families so their kids can grow up healthy and strong.

give clean water