Providing Safe Water for Nigerians

The Coronavirus has impacted many people around the world. Much attention has, rightfully, been given to providing personal protective equipment, medication, cleaning products, and similar supplies to front line workers, but there are many other needs that the pandemic has also created or emphasised. One of these is the universal need for all people to have safe and reliable access to clean water. In the face of  COVID19, this existing need has become even greater. Lack of clean water makes people susceptible to waterborne pathogens and parasites, and makes proper handwashing very difficult. 


    Some of those most in need of clean water are people living in Internally Displaced Persons camps in Nigeria. There are over two and a half million such internally displaced people in Nigeria as of December 2019. Their camps tend to be crowded, which makes physical distancing impossible and leaves them vulnerable to diseases such as the coronavirus. This situation is made worse by the lack of available clean water, soap, and hand sanitizer. This is why we feel it is necessary to provide both a water filter and soap to these camps. 


    Coronavirus is not, however, the only reason clean water and soap are important. Drinking unfiltered water can cause diarrhea, cholera, cryptosporidium, typhoid, and worms. These are particularly dangerous to vulnerable groups, for example people living with HIV, and young children. Clean water, through filters such as the one we hope to provide, is incredibly important, which is why one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals is safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030.


    It is important that every single person has access to sanitation to help reduce the spread of harmful diseases, such as the coronavirus. It is necessary that those who aren’t able to access proper equipment and sanitation on their own, are given helpful necessities. 


    With the money from this campaign, we hope to be able to buy a Lifestraw Community water filter, which has a lifetime filtration capacity of up to 100,000 litres, and does not require electrical power. This water filter costs $500 USD, or $702.86 CAD. We also plan to send $150 USD or $210.86 CAD worth of soap to those in need. The soap has been requested by the charities working on the ground at these Internally Displaced Persons camps.


    We are doing this campaign in partnership with the Rotary Club of Brampton, because we feel that no one should have to fear drinking water, and that clean, safe, water is something everyone should enjoy and be provided with. We hope you feel the same, and encourage you to donate if you do. Any amount of money is helpful and appreciated. Small acts of kindness from you can make a big difference. Help us improve conditions for those not as fortunate as you and lend a hand during these challenging, unprecedented times.