In 2004, the people of Rwanda faced one of the most devastating genocides the world has ever seen. Approximately 800,000 were massacred — almost 20 percent of the country’s entire population. Since then, Rwandans have rebuilt their homeland quicker and more efficiently than anyone thought possible. Now seen as one of Africa’s leaders, Rwanda continues to launch positive initiatives for the advancement of the country; of the most important being a campaign that will bring its people 100 percent access to clean water by 2020.
This September, in honor of its birthday, charity: water will join Rwanda’s campaign for clean water by helping the people of Shyorongi and Ngoma, two sectors in the Rulindo district. The Rwandan government will provide nearly half the funding for the projects, and the nonprofit organization, Water for People, will partner with charity: water in completing seven large-scale water systems.
“This year’s September Campaign is an important effort to help the people of Rwanda towards their goal of 100 percent clean water coverage. Our goal is to raise $1.7 million to bring clean water to 26,000 people in Ngoma and Shyorongi,” said Paull Young, Director of Digital for charity: water.
Since its launch in 2006, charity: water has raised millions to build sustainable water systems in developing nations and continues to fight for the right of all people to have access to clean water. Every September, the nonprofit celebrates its birthday by rallying its supporters to achieve one inspirational goal. This year, the organization chose to focus on Rwanda, because the country is building itself into a model for all of Africa.
“As always, 100 percent of donations to charity: water directly fund water projects and donors will see their impact through photos and GPS coordinates of the water project their money helps fund,” said Young. “In Rwanda $65 can give one person access to clean water, raising $1000 gives three families access to clean water and $15,000 raised will fully fund a tap stand for a community of 250 people.”
To learn more about how to help, check out the September Campaign 2012 Trailer: Rwanda from charity: water :
