“Water for Peace” is the theme of World Water Day 2024, celebrated in March. The struggle to access clean water along with ambiguity around water rights can plunge communities into local and regional conflict. As global temperatures rose, worries about having enough water for households, gardens, agriculture and animals raise tensions.
Public health, food, energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity rely on water resources that are equitably managed. When these vital human activities are secure and stable, tensions decrease, and peace can take root, even in communities that experience conflict and scarcity.
United Methodists can celebrate World Water Day with pride. Through Global Ministries’ Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH Advance #3021770)program, water resources in places like South Sudan and Haiti have been improved and maintained through peaceful means that invite participation by whole communities.
Water for health care, schools and households
The Primary Health Care Unit in Alok, South Sudan, saw a drastic increase in cases of diarrhea and stomach ailments in the surrounding community just two weeks after its well broke down.
The health care facility, a local market and two schools depend on this well for clean water, but the local health authorities said they did not have parts to fix the pump. Villagers began to draw untreated water directly from the Kueng River.
When the well breaks down
Normally, when a well breaks down in South Sudan and there are no technicians and no parts available, it may be weeks, or even years before a repair crew arrives. The Women’s Well Repair Initiative provides a solution and increases economic resources, self-sustainability, women’s participation in community initiatives, health care, education and overall stability for communities in which it works.
Managing a precious resource together
Another project supported by Global Ministries in Bhar el-Ghazal is working to drill new borehole wells in four villages. This partner, Mission to Alleviate Suffering in South Sudan (MASS), not only builds the wells, it helps communities form water committees and identify members for training. Like the WIB-WESI program, 10 water mechanics are being trained to keep the wells in working order.
Individual and community efforts provide mutual benefits
Miles across the Atlantic Ocean from South Sudan, Haitian communities that have endured natural disasters, civil unrest and relocation for many reasons assess resources for clean water and sanitation in their villages.
A grant to Fondation Voix des Communautes de Base (FVCB), formerly known as Heart to Heart, has helped about 10,000 people to form Mutual Solidarity (MUSO) community groups to construct and maintain household latrines and handwashing stations and clean up their environment. Combined with community education on proper hygiene, they have a good chance of decreasing outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases that plague Haiti.
On World Water Day, people the world over express their thanks for this wonderful gift of God. Of all the resources the world has to ensure everyone has water, it is people – working together – that is the most powerful resource of all.
excerpt from a story by Christie R. House, consultant writer and editor for Global Ministries and UMCOR.
The Advance is the accountable, designated-giving arm of The United Methodist Church. The Advance invites contributors to designate support for projects related to the General Board of Global Ministries. Individuals, local churches, organizations, districts and annual conferences may donate to The Advance. One hundred percent of every gift to The Advance goes to the project selected by the giver. Gifts to missionaries support the entire missionary community.
