International development is most successful on the grass-roots level, where all sides are involved and enthusiastic about change. I've recently found a GREAT organization that helps support schools overseas with a critical need - that of drinking water and sanitation. H2O for Life partners North American Schools with overseas schools, for the benefit (and learning) of all. IMPRESSIVE! We were lucky enough to talk with Patty Hall, founder of H2O for Life, about their organization, the importance of clean drinking water and sanitation, and creating a better global community. Here's what she had to say...

WE:  Please tell us about your organization, H2O for Life...

PH: H2O for Life provides a global partner for schools in the US.  Our partnerships transform lives abroad and in U.S. classrooms.  Schools study the issues surrounding the global water crisis, learn about their partner community, and implement a service learning activity to help bring clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to schools around the world. (WASH in Schools Initiative).

WE:  What was the genesis of H2O for Life?

PH: H2O for Life began as a service learning project at Highview Middle School in New Brighton, MN.  As a teacher, I received a request from a community in Kenya that was desperately in need of water.  Once students viewed a slide show and discussed the issues surrounding water, sanitation and hygiene needs, they became passionate and worked to provide a solution.

Highview Middle School students participate in their annual "Bucket Walk" to raise funds

WE:  Please educate us about the global water crisis...

PH: Over 1.1 billion people lack access to clean water.  More than 2.1 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation.  Along with those numbers, billions also lack a basic understanding and access to facilities for hand-washing.  In March, 2006, the WASH Initiative was introduced to encourage organizations to add sanitation and hygiene as part of the package when providing water to communities and schools.  The purpose of WASH in Schools, is to assure that children have access to these basic needs while in school.  The hope is to also provide a water point that will encourage girls to stay in school by providing privacy after puberty, and a water point that will lessen the distance they travel to gather water. Further, studies have reported, that by providing hand-washing education and facilities, the information is carried home to their families.

WE:  How does your service learning project for educators work?

PH: H2O for Life provides a global school partner for U.S. schools.  We provide photos of the schools and the surrounding area, information about the current water situation, and the proposed project that can provide a solution.  H2O also provides DVDs, curricular links, and other educational materials for teachers to use in their classrooms. Our website displays success stories and updated information for students and teachers.  Many of the countries involved are able to facilitate pen-pal communication.  Upon completion of the WASH project, photos from the partner school are sent to the US school. Students “see” the difference they made.

Kenyan girl carries water preventing her from attending school

WE:  How can schools, organizations, and individuals help?

PH: Individual classrooms, schools and organizations may choose a global school partner and plan an event to raise awareness of the water crisis, and raise funds to help bring WASH to a school in need.  Schools may work through-out the school year to raise the total amount needed for a project, or may choose to do one event and donate the funds toward a project in progress.  Every dollar raised by a school is matched by the in-country implementing organization; AND 100% of funds raised by schools flows directly to the project.  H2O for Life has a list of hundreds of schools waiting for water!

WE:  What NGOs are involved in H2O for Life?

PH: H2O for Life has partnerships with many NGOs, including Africare, El Porvenir, Kenya Rainwater Assn., Living Waters International, Save the Children, Village Schools International, Water Centric and Waterlines.  These NGOs are committed to provide sustainable WASH projects at schools.

WE:  Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

PH: H2O for Life schools make a difference in the lives of students around the world.  Last year, schools donated over $268,000 for water projects.  The projects impacted over 15,000 students in developing countries and raised awareness for over 50,000 youth in the United States.  We hope those numbers continue to increase.  Our service learning projects change the lives of students around the world, but as important, our US students have an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

H2O has travel connections that will provide opportunities for student groups and teachers to visit WASH schools.  This past summer, several teachers and students visited projects in Nicaragua and Kenya.

WE: Thanks so very much, Patty! Your work is extremely impressive, and we're happy to share it with our Wandering Educators.

For more information, please see:
http://www.h2oforlifeschools.org/

Feature photo: Rafaela de Herrera school, Nicaragua - recipients of a WASH project 

Photos courtesy and copyright of H2O for Life.