30 November 2012

The Gift of Clean Water

This Christmas, spread some good cheer by helping us gift clean drinking water to the children of Lamongan, Indonesia.

One small donation from you can make a big difference to the lives of many, because the funds raised will go towards the purchase and installation of the membrane filters in the villagers’ homes.

In rural Indonesia, more than 50 percent of the population have no access to clean water for daily living.

Many turn to boiling and drinking the same water that they use for bathing and washing clothes in.

Unsurprisingly, due to pollution and poor sewage facilities, the health and overall wellbeing of these communities are threatened by the effects of water contamination. Diarrhea, a common ailment related to drinking contaminated water, is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years in Indonesia, with an estimated 20,000 children dying from this disease every year (World Health Organisation).

This Christmas, SIF’s partner Metro for Children charity, is raising funds to support the Water for Life (Lamongan) project. The three-year project aims to provide 50,000 school-going children and adults with convenient access to clean drinking water through the installation of 150 membrane water filters in over 100 participating schools and communities. The filters employ a pressure-induced filtration process that effectively removes suspended particles, water-borne bacteria, cysts and viruses to provide clean water that is safe for consumption.

This annual fundraising initiative in Metro stores is raising the precious funds needed from the public to support the project. One small donation from you can make a big difference to the lives of many, because the funds raised will go towards the purchase and installation of the membrane filters in the villagers’ homes.

Your pledge will enable Pioneer Junior College to send a team of students to participate in installing the filters, as well as conduct learning activities that empower participating Lamongan communities to adopt improved health and hygiene practices.

Additionally, part of your donation will go towards sending Singapore specialist volunteers through the SIF to conduct water management workshops for the management and staff of The Agency of Public Works, Lamongan Regency. These workshops will equip the agency with water management skills and share Singapore best practices in this area.