The ripple effect
Helping children thrive in the Solomon Islands through clean water initiatives
sponsored content with ChildFund
“Access to water is a human right for all.”
- Hika Joseph, ChildFund NZ’s Country Representative in the Solomon Islands
Each day in the Solomon Islands, children risk their lives drinking water. Every sip of unsafe water could lead to severe sanitation-related diseases, illnesses, dehydration, malnutrition — or even death.
Dirty, unsafe water is a major contributor to waterborne diseases like dysentery and diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is the cause of roughly one in 14 deaths on the Islands for children under the age of five.
The Solomon Islands’ geographic location and vulnerability to climate change exacerbate this challenge, and only 16% of children currently have access to clean, safe drinking water.
Providing important access to clean water
Estimates suggest that 69% of diarrhoea cases could be prevented with access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene practices. But some children on the islands, like those in Temotu Province, have to walk almost two hours a day to find clean drinking water.
While there are natural springs in Temotu Province, there are no sanitation facilities in its villages, making the sea the only option for toileting and bathing. This inevitably leads to contamination of natural water sources, diarrhoea and dysentery.
The lack of clean water is a huge barrier for children, who miss valuable school hours due to illness or spend large parts of their day walking to collect clean water.
Improving water sanitation could significantly reduce mortality rates, according to non-profit organisation ChildFund - who are committed to providing clean, safe drinking water to children in the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific.
Alongside local communities and partners, ChildFund is working to improve sanitation and access to clean, safe water.
Individual contributions, no matter how small, can make a significant difference, they say. A donation of $5 a month - less than the price of a coffee - can help provide clean water for a child. If $20 a month - about the cost of a takeaway meal - can be spared, up to four children could be helped every month.
Providing hope through change
Young people should have the right to develop in the best possible way, according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. But having the opportunity to play, learn and chase their dreams is hindered in the Solomon Islands as children succumb to illnesses from dirty drinking water, particularly in the small outer provinces.
ChildFund is dedicated to resolving the issue — with the help of the New Zealand public.
By working alongside community and local partners, several sustainable and innovative water projects are underway to improve sanitation and provide access to clean, safe water.
ChildFund says it's essential work, which provides the basis for human existence.
“Access to water is a human right for all,” says Hika Joseph, ChildFund NZ’s Country Representative in the Solomon Islands.
“However, some children in the Solomon Islands have limited or no access to water at all, particularly those living in small outer islands in Temotu, Malaita and some islands in Western Province.”
Key examples include an innovative development project that will transform water infrastructure on the island. The rehabilitation of a water pipe and pump system will provide clean safe drinking water to 3,000 people in 18 villages as well as the local school.
The existing broken pump is diesel-powered, making it expensive to run and operate due to the cost of purchasing and shipping diesel. ChildFund is set to install a solar-powered pump in its place, providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to the communities. Harnessing abundant natural sunshine, the organisation says the solution will work well into the future and improve daily lives.
ChildFund is also building a toilet block at the school in Napir Village to improve sanitation and help children and their families stay healthy.
The aim is for the projects to leave a lasting legacy for the Solomon Islands, delivering sustainable clean water for generations to come.
But ChildFund know they can’t do it alone.
The ripple effect - your help
Improving water sanitation offers the greatest chance of reducing mortality rates in the Solomon Islands.
Kiwis have the opportunity to help ChildFund for less than the price of a flat white. And making a small donation can have a huge impact.
By contributing $5, $20, or $30 a month, New Zealanders can help deliver clean water to children across the Pacific.
Giving children access to clean, safe drinking water does even more than keep them healthy. It means children no longer have to spend hours searching for clean water and miss school. With clean water, children can go to school healthy and hydrated – ready to play, learn and reach their potential.
Doing your bit is simple — visit the website to find out more and become a regular donor today.
Give children on the Solomon Islands the gift of clean water.
Learn how to help now.
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