Clean water at school is key to breaking cycles of poverty

In many parts of the developing world, children—especially girls—spend hours each day collecting water,  hours when they could have been in school. This leaves little time for learning. 

To compound this problem, 29% of school globally do not have basic access to water.  When schools lack safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities, absenteeism rises, and students struggle to focus. Simply put, without reliable access to clean water, education becomes a privilege rather than a right.

The impact of unsafe water extends beyond missed school days. Waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera, are among the leading causes of illness in children, weakening their ability to learn and grow. Frequent illness not only disrupts education but also leads to higher dropout rates. Schools that provide safe water and sanitation see improved attendance, better academic performance, and a healthier, more engaged student body. A clean water system can transform an entire school community, ensuring that children stay in the classroom rather than at home recovering from preventable sickness.

WaterAid’s approach

• Provide local clean water access, eliminating the burden of water collection on women and girls.
• Install handwashing stations, private toilets and menstrual hygiene facilities, protecting the health, dignity and wellbeing of children and their teachers.
• Teach and empower children and adolescents to be leaders, recognizing their critical role in hygiene behavior change through outreach to families and communities.
• Partner with the local school community, private sector and governments to ensure sustainable access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for years to come.