Unsafe water makes people sick
Clean water sources can be scarce, and the water that is available may carry bacteria, viruses and other harmful contaminants.
That leads to serious health problems, including waterborne diseases such as:
How far would you walk for water?
Many people walk 3 miles or more to collect water, several times a day. Set the distance and the number of trips to see what that means.
Based on a 20-litre jerrycan (20 kg) per trip and an average pace of 2.5 miles an hour. A well in the village gives that time back.
Our answer: borehole wells
By drilling into the earth, we reach underground water that is much less likely to be contaminated than rivers, ponds or shallow wells.
What partnership means at Rafiki
We work directly with communities to identify needs and develop solutions together.
Our own drilling team builds wells, alongside qualified local drilling companies and service providers.
Community members help plan, build and look after their water.
Each community takes responsibility for maintaining its well and protecting the investment.
In-country teams, who know the communities they serve, run the work in each country.
We support education, healthcare and other needs communities bring to us.
The Rafiki partnership model
From the first conversation to years after the water flows{{c.title}}
{{c.text}}
The Community Water Agreement
On new projects, Rafiki and the community will agree in writing who does what before work starts.
CaretakersThe people the community chooses to look after the well.
MaintenanceWho checks the well, how often, and what they do.
TrainingThe training Rafiki provides, and who takes part.
RepairsHow the community plans and saves for future repairs.
- One community’s agreement and its story, once agreements are in use on new projects
- How long Rafiki follows up after handover
Your donation doesn’t simply fund the construction of a well. It helps establish a sustainable water resource that the community is equipped to manage.
Beyond water
School wells mean children spend their days learning instead of fetching water.
Partnerships with clinics and health programmes, especially in Malawi.
Small businesses, school improvements and other needs communities bring to us.
An investment in health
Clean water reduces waterborne disease and improves the quality of life for whole communities, for generations.