THE WASH PROJECT
- a collaboration with Circle K International and UNICEF -
WATER |
AND |
SANITATION |
HYGIENE |
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Have you heard of the WASH Project? Circle K is partnering with UNICEF until 2022 to improve access to and quality of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for those who live in Haiti by raising a collective $240,000!
Contaminated water is used for everything from drinking to cooking to cleaning to farming and, as such, malnutrition and disease related to water, sanitation, and hygiene are devastating the poorest country in the western hemisphere. |
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Why is the wash project necessary?
Over 800 children die every day due to unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, or poor hygiene. 2.1 billion people do not
have safe drinking water at home, which forces them to utilize unsafe water sources that are often contaminated with human waste or pathogenic organisms that lead to diseases such as cholera; cholera is easily treatable in a country like the United States, but can lead to rapid dehydration and death within hours in “less developed” countries. Worldwide 2.4 billion (1 in 3 people) do not have immediate access to improved sanitation infrastructure, or toilets, and because of that 1 billion people still practice open defecation.
have safe drinking water at home, which forces them to utilize unsafe water sources that are often contaminated with human waste or pathogenic organisms that lead to diseases such as cholera; cholera is easily treatable in a country like the United States, but can lead to rapid dehydration and death within hours in “less developed” countries. Worldwide 2.4 billion (1 in 3 people) do not have immediate access to improved sanitation infrastructure, or toilets, and because of that 1 billion people still practice open defecation.
who is this project directly helping?
Circle K and UNICEF are looking to make huge positive impacts in the amazing country of Haiti! In Haiti, about 40% of the population- 4 million human beings- do not have access to clean water, and only 1 in 4 of Haiti’s inhabitants have access to a sanitary toilet. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, as each day they are expected to walk miles to find a water source and carry full buckets back to their communities. Additionally, girls often drop out of school at the onset of puberty as a result of the lack of sanitation, all of which ties the WASH Project to gender equality and equity of education.
Circle K’s involvement with the WASH Project is aimed not at putting a bandage on the issue through remote aid, but equipping UNICEF with the ability to directly educate and empower Haitians to affect sustainable change and save lives.
Circle K’s involvement with the WASH Project is aimed not at putting a bandage on the issue through remote aid, but equipping UNICEF with the ability to directly educate and empower Haitians to affect sustainable change and save lives.
What can i do to help?
Fundraise
The most direct and effective way to get involved with the WASH Project is to fundraise! Here are ideas straight from the WASH Guide, which can be found on the International Website.
Spread Awareness
To get the full WASH experience and gain a better understanding of what you are advocating for, in addition to fundraising you can work to spread awareness! Perhaps in coordination with a fundraiser, like a bake sale, fill a water bottle with dirt and/or additional pollutants to turn the liquid brown and mimic the unclean water that children in Haiti drink every day. Put said water bottle on display, and it will start to grab attention! People may approach you and wish to learn more, and that is the perfect opportunity to educate them about the lack of adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene in Haiti! Be sure to encourage them to donate at circlek.org/wash, and invite them to participate in your next WASH fundraiser!
The most direct and effective way to get involved with the WASH Project is to fundraise! Here are ideas straight from the WASH Guide, which can be found on the International Website.
Spread Awareness
To get the full WASH experience and gain a better understanding of what you are advocating for, in addition to fundraising you can work to spread awareness! Perhaps in coordination with a fundraiser, like a bake sale, fill a water bottle with dirt and/or additional pollutants to turn the liquid brown and mimic the unclean water that children in Haiti drink every day. Put said water bottle on display, and it will start to grab attention! People may approach you and wish to learn more, and that is the perfect opportunity to educate them about the lack of adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene in Haiti! Be sure to encourage them to donate at circlek.org/wash, and invite them to participate in your next WASH fundraiser!
The journey is only beginning. Find out more on WASH here!
All information provided is directly quoted from the Circle K International UNICEF USA Partnership Resource Guide.
