25 years of WaterAid: 1981-2006

WaterAid would like to celebrate 25 years by helping 10 million people.

Credit: WaterAid / Jon Spaull

Over the last 25 years WaterAid has helped over 8.5 million people gain access to safe, clean water in some of the world's poorest countries.

Every one of these people has an amazing story to tell about the life-changing difference water has brought to their families, and none of these stories would have happened without the generosity of WaterAid supporters like you.

But there is still so much to do. Over a billion people don't have safe water to drink and many more, over two and a half billion - two fifths of the world's population - don't have somewhere safe and clean to go to the toilet. The lack of these essential services trap people in poverty, causing death and disease and preventing children from going to school as they spend hours each day collecting water instead.

WaterAid's aim is simple - to help the world's poorest people gain access to their human rights: safe water and sanitation.

We do this in two ways. First and foremost, we work with local organisations to help communities in 17 countries set up, operate and maintain their own water and sanitation facilities; and to learn about safe hygiene practices so they gain the maximum health benefits. Secondly we work with governments and other organisations to ensure water and sanitation are prioritised on national and international agendas.

In this our 25th birthday year, we want to bring the total number of people we have helped through practical, long-term projects to 10 million. With your continued support we can reach this goal and continue to lobby decision-makers so that we can help many more people take their first steps out of poverty.