When you think of a new water source in Africa, what comes to your mind? You probably envision a small well, outfitted with a hand pump that stands in the middle of a village. That's a great image! World Vision plans to drill more than 800 such wells in Africa to provide clean water and good health for hundreds of thousands of people.

But access to water does so much more.

For example, in arid countries like Ethiopia, World Vision helps communities harness their existing water supply for irrigation purposes. Using gravity-fed water systems and simple pumps, farmers are able to turn dusty fields into productive land that can feed their families and generate a sustainable income.

Regassa Boset is a farmer who lives in Adama, Ethiopia, with his wife and three young children. World Vision provided him with a catchment basin and a treadle pump—a sturdy and reliable foot pump—that enables him to water a growing herd of cattle and properly water his maize crop. With the success of his farm, he has also opened a small horse-cart taxi business that serves the surrounding villages.

A gift of water can bring economic vitality to a family. When a family is healthy children thrive—they eat better, attend school, and have confidence in their future. And healthy families make a healthy community.

Can you see yourself in this picture? Reach out to an impoverished community. Give the gift of water. Water changes everything. Even you. Donate Now