Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has transformed millions of lives since 2013 bringing clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to people across the world. Together, we make a lasting difference.
Water changes everything
Today, millions of people face each day without a reliable supply of clean water, a safe place to go to the toilet, or the basic hygiene that can protect them from infection. Meanwhile, climate change is exacerbating the impact of this: more frequent and extreme flooding is polluting water sources while longer droughts are drying up springs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw more than ever just how vital these basic human rights are in maintaining and protecting everyday life. With all three, children can live healthier lives and get the chance to go to school, adults can earn a living and whole communities start to thrive. Players’ support is making that a reality for families around the world.
Working together to transform lives
When a community gets clean water for the first time, it creates a powerful ripple, saving lives and improving people’s health, education and livelihoods.
But for clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to bring lasting benefits to everyone, it takes people working together.
This is why players’ support is so vital. We know the pace of change needs to increase if we are to reach everyone, everywhere with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. In the past year alone, we’ve worked with more than 6,000 communities worldwide delivering these essentials, reaching hundreds of thousands of people directly, and going even further with our work in schools and healthcare centres.
With players’ support, we’ll be able to keep reaching more people and applying the pressure with governments and decision makers to transform more lives for good.
Here are some of the inspiring stories made possible thanks to players’ support:
I am glad I don't have to walk all the way to the river anymore. More importantly, I don't have to risk my daughter's life.”
- Helme and her daughter Amaru, pictured above.
Supporting women in business
WaterAid/ Drik/ Farzana HossenSharmila’s small grocery shop in Purbo Durgabati village, Bangladesh, is very popular. But until recently, she had to close for several hours a day to collect water from far away. Every single day, Sharmila lost precious customers.
With clean water in her village, Sharmila’s shop can now stay open, giving her family the financial security that will change their lives.
“Now I am able to give time to my business, take my children to school on time and look after my garden and household chores.”
Helping communities facing climate change
WaterAid/ James Kiyimba"Our climate change community awareness strategy has started to yield positive results, many people can now relate the challenges they face such as drying water sources, floods, and strong winds to a changing climate.
"People are demanding trees for planting, and environmentally friendly options."
- Community activist Victoria, Magada, eastern Uganda.
Keeping girls in school
WaterAid/ Drik/ Farzana Hossen“At times, we would resort to the pond near our school which contained unfiltered water, or we would simply go without drinking water until we got home from school. Sometimes when it became unbearable, I would buy bottled water which is 20 takas per litre which most of us couldn’t afford every day.
"When the safe drinking water station was installed, we were overjoyed as we no longer have to worry about where we would get the water from, or about getting sick from drinking unsafe water.”
- Ayesha, Isweripur Union, Bangladesh.
Changing families’ lives
Photo: WaterAid/ Frehiwot Gebrewold“As far back as I remember the Yeser river has been our main water source. But recently it has gotten very difficult to fetch water from it. After the long trip to the river, I had to wait in line and wait for my turn for hours.
"I am ecstatic and still in awe that it is this simple and possible to obtain a pure cup of water to drink. My granddaughter still makes fun of me whenever I get excited to turn on the faucet to see water flowing out.”
- Fantanesh, Burie Zuriya district, Ethiopia.
Empowering local communities
WaterAid/ Basile OuedraogoDramane, one of three newly trained water monitors, plays a vital role in managing the village’s precious water supply:
“When people are informed about the rainfall, they prepare for the implications. For example, they know that it did not rain a lot this year and they will not waste water. Farmers have adopted improved seeds since we started this work.”
- Dramane, Tigama, Mali.
Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery
A huge thank you to players of People’s Postcode Lottery. With their support, we’re able to keep demanding a world where everyone, everywhere has the clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene they need, no matter what the future might bring.
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