Safe Water for Displaced Kids in Northern, Nigeria

In Ortese, Guma LGA, the simple act of going to school is a daily struggle for many children. The root cause is often overlooked: lack of access to clean water. Instead of spending their days learning, children—especially girls—are forced to spend hours walking long distances to collect water from unsafe sources. The water they bring home is frequently contaminated, leading to repeated bouts of illness that keep them out of the classroom.

The impact is devastating. According to UNICEF, over 70,000 Nigerian children under five lose their lives each year due to poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). In the Benue IDP camps, the statistics are alarming: 84% of households report that the water they can access is insufficient for daily needs, and 86% of families are forced to practice open defecation due to a lack of proper facilities. These conditions lead to the rapid spread of preventable diseases and create barriers to education that are especially steep for girls, who shoulder the majority of water collection duties (sources: businessday.ng, unicef.org).

We believe there is a better way to move forward. By installing boreholes, filtration units, and handwashing stations in Ortese’s schools, and by providing community hygiene training, we can help ensure that children stay healthy and can attend class every day. Clean water means fewer sick days, greater dignity, and a real shot at a brighter future for every child.

When you invest in water for Ortese, you invest in literacy, dignity, and hope. Can we count on your support this July to help transform education for these children?