WaterAid and People’s Postcode Lottery have been working together for over a decade. In that time, players have raised over £22 million pounds for our work, helping millions of people transform their lives thanks to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.
Celebrating over ten years of partnership
This film marks the tenth anniversary of our partnership, and celebrates what players' support has helped communities around the world achieve.
Water changes everything
Millions of people still 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. And, as floods pollute water sources and droughts cause springs to dry up, climate change is only making things worse.
We know that clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene are vital.
With all three, children can stay healthy and go to school. Adults can earn a living and take care of their families. And whole communities can start to thrive, breaking free from poverty and unlocking a brighter future – for generations to come.
Players’ support is making this a reality for millions of people around the world.
I'm 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, Ethiopia (pictured top)
Working together to create change
For clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to bring lasting benefits to everyone, it takes people working together.
That's 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 thousands of communities around the world, reaching hundreds of thousands of people directly, and millions more through our work with schools, healthcare facilities, and decision makers.
Explore just some of what players' support has helped make possible
Supporting women in business
Sharmila’s small grocery shop in the village of Purbo Durgabati, Bangladesh, is very popular. But until recently, she had to close for several hours a day to collect water, losing precious customers and missing out on vital income.
Now, with clean water close by, Sharmila’s shop can stay open all day long – giving her and her family the financial security that will help them change their lives.
I'm 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
"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
“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
“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
Dramane, 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.
