Help Bring Clean Water & Dignity to 1,000 Children at Tanzou School in Benin

My name is Zaccai Free, and I’m a native of Washington, DC. Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to travel to many countries and learn from different cultures around the world.

Recently, I visited Benin Republic, a country rich in beauty, warmth, and peace. During my stay, I was introduced to Tanzou School, a public elementary school serving over 1,000 children.

When I visited the school, I was deeply moved.

The environment was calm and welcoming.

The students were respectful, joyful, and eager to learn.

But I was also shocked by what I discovered next.

❗ A School With 1,000 Children — and No Running Water

Despite its large enrollment, Tanzou School has no access to running water and no functioning toilets.

Imagine being a child trying to learn, grow, and thrive without access to clean water or basic sanitation. These conditions affect health, dignity, and the ability of students and teachers to focus on education.

A Simple Solution With a Powerful Impact

I asked what it would take to change this — to bring water access to the school.

The answer: approximately $5,000, including all materials and labor.

That’s it.

For a relatively small collective effort, we can:

• Provide clean running water

• Enable functional sanitation

• Improve health, hygiene, and dignity

• Create a safer, more supportive learning environment for over 1,000 children

Why I’m Asking for Your Help

I can’t do this alone — but together, we can make a real, immediate difference.

If you are someone with resources to share, I invite you to join me in this effort. Whether you give $10, $50, $100, or more, every contribution brings us closer to ensuring these children have access to something so basic — yet so essential.

This Is What Collective Care Looks Like

This is not about charity from a distance.

It’s about solidarity, human dignity, and recognizing that access to clean water should never be a privilege.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for contributing in any way you can — including sharing this campaign with others.

Together, we can turn compassion into action.

With gratitude,

Zaccai Free