By Fatimah Al-Hashimi, Programs Coordinator, Penny Appeal USA
As heat waves sweep across the globe, I contemplate the harsh differences in access to basic necessities among people. The other day, I strolled past a swimming pool, a symbol of the comforts many of us take for granted—air conditioning, shelter, and leisurely cooling activities. This stark contrast to the reality faced by millions worldwide who lack access to clean water is both humbling and alarming.
In many parts of the world, people’s daily survival hinges on the mercy of organizations providing for their basic needs. But what happens when project funding runs dry? The suffering continues until the subsequent relief effort arrives, creating a cycle of dependency and uncertainty.
Imagine, dear reader, waking up one day to find no running water in your home. This is the daily reality for countless individuals globally. During a recent meeting with our partners in India, we were shown images of their ongoing projects. One photograph particularly stood out: a pregnant woman pushing a barrel set on two wheels. Surprisingly, this simple gadget was the entire project – providing these makeshift carts to help women and children transport relatively clean water over long distances to their families.
The luxuries we often take for granted can sometimes make it challenging to comprehend the harsh realities faced in developing countries. On difficult days, when news of global emergencies feels overwhelming, what keeps me going are the images and stories from our partners and beneficiaries who have gained access to water wells in their homes for the first time.
The joy is real – children jumping around the well, the relief evident in the caregivers’ eyes. These moments of pure happiness and relief speak volumes about the transformative power of sustainable access to clean water.
Two verses from the Quran resonate deeply with our mission:
“We made every living being out of water” (21:30)
“And whoever saves one life – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely” (5:32)
These ayats (verses) are intrinsically linked, highlighting the fundamental importance of water to life itself and the profound impact of helping others. A donation to our ThirstRelief program, whether small or large, has the potential to sustain thousands -if not hundreds of thousands- of lives. Our focus on sustainability ensures that families continue to benefit for many years, even after our direct involvement ends.
The global water crisis is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. According to the World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services. This shortage not only affects health but also impacts education, economic opportunities, and overall quality of life.
In many regions, the burden of water collection falls disproportionately on women and children. Hours spent fetching water are hours lost to education, income generation, and personal development. By providing accessible water sources, we’re not just quenching thirst – we’re opening doors to education, empowerment, and economic growth.
Climate change further worsens the water crisis, with changing weather patterns leading to more frequent droughts in some areas and flooding in others. This unpredictability makes sustainable water management even more crucial.
Our approach at Penny Appeal USA goes beyond simply drilling wells. We work with communities to implement comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs. This holistic strategy includes education on proper sanitation practices, maintenance of water sources, and community-led initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability. The impact of clean water access extends far beyond immediate health benefits. It can break the cycle of poverty, reduce gender inequality, improve food security, and foster economic growth.
While we may not be able to change the entire world overnight, we can certainly change the reality for individual families, improving their lives for generations to come. Each well we dig, each water system we install, represents hope and opportunity for an entire community.
As we face global challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember, even small actions can have profound impacts. Your support, whether through donations, raising awareness, or volunteering, can make a tangible difference in someone’s life.
Together, we can work towards a world where clean water is not a luxury, but a universal right – one community, one family, one life at a time.
