Heatwave Relief Water Camp - Jacobabad

The intervention has transitioned from a short-term heatwave response to a sustainable public health initiative within the schools.

• Operational Consistency: Throughout the four-month period, all 10 containers have remained fully functional. School administrations have diligently upheld their agreements, ensuring the containers are refilled daily and cleaned regularly, demonstrating strong local ownership.
• Health and Attendance: While formal longitudinal data is ongoing, anecdotal evidence from school principals indicates a reduction in minor heat-related discomfort and dehydration issues among students, particularly as the climate remains warm in the post-summer months. Improved access to water supports better focus and potentially higher school attendance.
• Durability & Climate Resilience: The mud containers have proven to be durable and highly effective in maintaining optimal water temperature even as the seasons transition, confirming their suitability for long-term, high-use settings. This model provides a blueprint for low-cost, high-impact climate adaptation.

1. Lessons Learned

• Flexible Adaptation: The ability to pivot the project design from a temporary camp to a sustainable school initiative ensured that donor funds were utilized meaningfully and achieved a lasting impact, despite the funding shortfall.
• Small Investments, Lasting Impact: Even a small contribution of USD 500 can be transformative when directed towards climate-smart and sustainable solutions that address core community needs.
• School as Resilience Hub: Schools serve as critical, high-impact entry points for resilience initiatives, as children are among the most vulnerable to climate extremes like heatwaves.

2. Way Forward

Building on the proven success and sustainability of the school-based model:

• Scale-Up: CDF plans to actively seek additional resources to expand this initiative to cover more schools and vulnerable public spaces in Jacobabad in 2026.
• Advocacy: Continued advocacy for promoting climate-resilient, low-carbon water solutions in Jacobabad and other high-risk districts across Sindh.
• Re-engagement: CDF will continue engaging with GlobalGiving and committed donors to raise the remaining funds for the original Heatwave Relief Camp Project in the coming year, which can be implemented alongside the sustainable school model.

3. Acknowledgment

CDF extends its sincere gratitude to the donor who contributed USD 500 through the GlobalGiving platform. This timely support enabled CDF to provide sustainable and life-saving drinking water access to over 2,000 students. The generosity and trust of donors remain the backbone of CDF’s mission to build resilience in vulnerable communities against the adverse impacts of climate change.

Heatwave Relief Water Camp Report Community Development Foundation (CDF), Jacobabad – Sindh, Pakistan  

1. Background:  Jacobabad is one of the hottest cities in the world, experiencing extreme heatwaves during the summer season. CDF applied through the GlobalGiving platform to mobilize resources for a Heatwave Relief Water Camp Project. The proposed initiative aimed to establish water relief points during the peak heatwave season to provide immediate relief to vulnerable communities, particularly children. CDF requested USD 3,700 to implement the project. However, during the campaign period, USD 500 was received from one generous donor. While the funds were insufficient to fully establish the planned camp, CDF was committed to utilizing the available support effectively and sustainably before the end of the heatwave season.                                                                                                                                                                        2. Strategic Adjustment:  Since the complete budget was not raised, CDF reviewed its approach and decided to use the received funds in a sustainable, climate-friendly, and child-focused manner. Instead of establishing a temporary relief camp, CDF redirected the resources to provide safe drinking water access in schools of Jacobabad.                                                    3. Implementation Target Area: 5 Government Schools in Jacobabad District                                                                    Selection Criteria: Schools with no drinking water facility. Enrollment of 500+ students per school.                        Intervention: Placement of 10 climate-resilient mud water containers (2 in each school). Containers designed to keep water naturally cool without electricity or ice. Agreement signed with school administrations for: Daily refilling of water containers. Maintaining sanitation and hygiene standards. Sustaining the initiative for continued benefit of students.                                 4. Outcomes & Impact Total Beneficiaries: Approximately 2,000 students (average 400 per school).                            Direct Results: Students gained regular access to clean and cool drinking water. Reduced dependency on electric water coolers or ice, promoting climate-resilient practices. Encouraged eco-friendly solutions in schools.                       Sustainability: School administrations are committed to ensuring daily refilling and cleaning. Containers are durable and suitable for long-term use.                                                                                                                                                            5. Lessons Learned : Flexible adaptation of project design ensured that donor funds were utilized meaningfully. Even a small contribution can make a lasting impact when directed to climate-smart and sustainable solutions. Schools are effective entry points for resilience initiatives, as children are among the most vulnerable to heatwaves.                                                6. Way Forward:  CDF plans to scale up the initiative by mobilizing additional resources to cover more schools and public spaces. Advocacy will continue for promoting climate-resilient water solutions in Jacobabad and similar high-risk districts. CDF will keep engaging with GlobalGiving and donors to raise remaining funds for the original Heatwave Relief Camp project in the coming year.                                                                                                                                                                        7. Acknowledgment: CDF sincerely thanks the donor who contributed USD 500 through the GlobalGiving platform. This support enabled CDF to provide sustainable drinking water access to over 2,000 students in Jacobabad. The generosity and trust of donors remain the backbone of CDF’s mission to protect vulnerable communities from the adverse impacts of climate change.

Links:

• Social Media Post link