Dirty drinking water is part of everyday life for many children in Malawi. Because it makes them ill, they are often unable to attend school. UNICEF is installing solar pumps that reach groundwater that is deeper and thus cleaner.
The situation
The impact of climate change can already be felt in Malawi. Dry periods are longer and more pronounced, and groundwater levels are falling. However, most wells and hand pumps only reach a maximum depth of 45 meters, which is no longer deep enough in some parts of the country.
The lack of access to clean drinking water has far-reaching consequences for children in Malawi, with many suffering from diarrhea and other infections because they have no choice but to drink contaminated water. If they are responsible for fetching water, they also have to walk increasingly long distances to reach the nearest water point. As a result, there is no time left for school.
How UNICEF helps
UNICEF is improving access to clean water through solar pumps that can reach deeper groundwater and have higher capacities. They reach down to a depth of 250 meters and can thus ensure a long-term supply of groundwater. Solar-powered systems are also significantly more environmentally friendly than diesel-powered systems. The robust structure of solar pumps makes them more resistant to flooding, which strengthens the whole community in emergencies. During the Cyclone Idai floods in early 2019, the water system proved its worth as part of the emergency relief response in schools, health facilities and communities that were used as emergency shelters. This enabled UNICEF to reach a total of 60,000 people who were displaced during the cyclone and subsequent flooding.
Current status
UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein has been supporting the program since December 2019. By September 2021, four solar-powered water systems had been installed at four schools. As a result, a total of 9,295 students, 151 teachers and 7,190 people from nearby villages now have access to clean drinking water. The program was also slightly adapted and expanded due to COVID-19. A handwashing station was added to each school’s solar-powered water pump, allowing schools to comply with the all-important hygiene measures. Since October, work has been underway to install solar-powered water systems in three more schools in the southern district of Nsanje. At the same time, specialists are being trained to operate and maintain the water systems, while communities are being made aware of important issues related to hygiene practices.
You can help too.
With your donation, you can help to provide children and their families in Malawi with access to clean water. This makes everyday life easier for families, since with water more readily available, girls and boys are less likely to get sick and are able to go to school. We thank you very much for your support.
