Water for Africa

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We spoke to Phil Hepworth from Water For Africa about his inspiring journey to providing clean drinking water to 2.2 million people in Tanzania in an 8 year period.

Phil shared how his personal struggles in 2010 were a catalyst for major change. After discovering the shocking statistic that one child dies every 15 seconds from dirty water Phil was inspired to get on an aeroplane to Africa to see how he could make a difference.

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Time and time again, Water for Africa has been moved by the generosity given to them by people who have seen purpose in their mission. Phil explained that often the resources they needed were already within their grasp, they just had to start looking for them.

Phil shared the importance of speaking about our own goals. He explained that when we articulate our goals to others, those around us can inspire your journey. His wife and family have been a major support for his endeavours abroad and he is indebted to the community for believing that they can all be agents of change, whether on the ground or supporting the work he continues to do.

It is easy to forget how fundamental clean water is to life, and it’s very easy for us to take it for granted living in a developed country.

Since 2013, Water for Africa has been able to see first-hand the changes clean water can make to people's lives. Pumps providing clean water have drastically decreased the number of patients presenting at local hospitals with stomach- related illnesses. By providing clean water pumps at schools, the chances of local girls receiving an education is immediately increased.

Families are now encouraging their girls to go school as the need to gather water is less relevant. (In such cultures, girls can spend up to 8 hours of their day searching for water, negatively impacting their chances of going to school.)

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Addressing the interrelated nature of development issues such as the access to clean water and education is integral.

We can often become skeptical of the sustainability of charitable giving beyond our initial investment. Sustainability is another important issue within development. Water for Africa has worked with local communities to establish repair teams from within the region.

Water for Africa has also established seed programs which provide women with a cash crop they would not otherwise be able to afford. After harvest, the crop is made available to other local women. Through this program women are empowered and able to afford things such as a child's education and food for their family through money they have earned. The work they have done is truly life changing and impacts generations.

Water for Africa has worked to make their projects self-sustaining. They have established a not-for-profit farm in Tanzania where they have planted 20 acres of Avocado and Macadamia crops. This will provide wages for local people while enabling the community to grow cash crops to fund future projects.