Photo: Sandi*, 18, demonstrates how to use the new water tap

In 2023, in West Sumba, Indonesia, the lack of water in Sandi’s village meant children and adults, including pregnant women, were getting up at 3a.m. to walk 3kms down a steep and dangerous gully to reach a water source. Without enough water, it was difficult to grow nutritious food, and children were missing school because of exhaustion or embarrassment at not being able to wash.

With Save the Children’s water project, the community now has regular access to clean water—and much more: children have more time to study and play, it’s easier for families to irrigate their vegetable gardens, children can wash twice a day and go to school, and no-one is making the difficult journey anymore.

*Names have been changed to protect identities