Clean water is something most of us rarely have to think about. Yet for billions of people around the world, having enough safe water to drink, cook with, and maintain basic hygiene remains a daily concern. The consequences reach far beyond thirst. A lack of reliable water compromises health and forces families to spend hours each day searching for a resource critical to their survival.

Today, 2.1 billion people still live without safe drinking water. Roughly half of the world’s population also experiences severe water scarcity during at least part of the year. Recognizing how profoundly these challenges affect daily life, we have made expanding access to clean water and proper sanitation a priority through our “Clean Water Initiative.”

These efforts are transforming entire communities. At Don Bosco Igawa Parish in Tanzania, a recently completed water project now provides clean water to more than 10,000 people. Reliable access has reduced the time families spend collecting water, particularly women and children, while contributing to better hygiene, increased school attendance, and fewer waterborne illnesses.

Similar efforts are addressing other water-related needs across Africa. In Rwanda, more than 560 students at Don Bosco Gatenga Vocational Training Center are benefiting from new sanitation facilities with running water, greater privacy, and safer hygienic conditions. In Kenya, a new water tank at Don Bosco Utume tripled storage capacity from approximately 25,000 to 85,000 liters. The Center serves approximately 200 residents while providing free water to more than 1,000 additional people each day.

“Access to clean water affects nearly every aspect of a person’s well-being,” explains Father Michael Conway, Director of Salesian Missions. “When a family no longer has to worry about where their next cup of clean water will come from, children have more time to learn, parents can focus on providing for their families, and entire communities have greater opportunities to thrive.”

There are still billions of people waiting for that same security. Through wells, water storage systems, sanitation facilities, and other sustainable projects, our missionaries continue working to bring this essential resource within reach.

Learn more about our work in Tanzania, in Kenya, and in Rwanda.

Watch a video of the daily journey to fetch water in Kenya.

Our mission is to bring clean, safe water to as many families as possible. What’s your mission?