Happy 21st birthday WaterAid!

Set up in 1981, WaterAid has become one of the leading international non governmental organisations in the global drinking water and sanitation sector.

2002 is our 21st birthday year. We feel that this is cause for everyone associated with us to celebrate. For 21 years WaterAid has been working towards a world where everyone has access to safe water.

So far we have ensured a brighter future for over 6.5 million people in Africa and Asia and influenced many other organisations to do the same.

This edition of Oasis looks back over 21 years of WaterAid's work. We report from Zambia, where we funded our first project in 1981, and Malawi, one of our newest country programmes.

John Isherwood, one of WaterAid's founder members, reports on how the organisation has developed and Lucy Akanboguure from Ghana tells the amazing story of how water has changed her life.

Elsewhere you will find events and ideas to help us celebrate and make our 21st a year to remember.

Reaching 21 years traditionally symbolises a coming of age. As WaterAid's specialist work has developed, so the organisation has matured. This gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past and look to the future.

WaterAid is proud to be able to learn from past successes and failures in order to see a clear future for water, sanitation and hygiene promotion projects in the world's poorest countries.

Reaching 21 is also symbolised by getting a key to the door. A key is appropriate to WaterAid as we believe our projects provide the key to poverty reduction and sustainable development.

We know that gaining access to safe water and sanitation has far reaching benefits, it not only improves health but also education, social standing, wealth and personal empowerment.

Looking forward WaterAid's future is built on solid foundations, our support is strong and our vision is clear.

This 21st year is an opportunity for supporters, volunteers and staff to feel proud of our achievements and look forward to achieving our vision of clean water and sanitation for all.