UNICEF: World Water Day 2010: Safe water helps children go to school in Niger

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/niger_53120.html

Under the theme, Clean Water for a Healthy Word, this years World Water Day, 22 March, aims to spur action on improving water quality worldwide. Here is a related story on UNICEF's safe-water efforts in Niger.

CHINWAGHARI VILLAGE, Niger, 22 March 2010 Surrounded by a throng of other children, each carrying empty containers, Fatima Hamouma, 8, walked to the new, modern water taps in her village. In just a few minutes, she had filled all six of her containers. Just a year ago, fetching water from the old traditional well would have required at least three hours of hard work.

Its easy, Fatima said. Before, we had to queue for a long time to get the water. And most of the time, it was dirty.

The new water taps, which were installed a year ago, provide direct access to potable water for the 1,100 inhabitants of Chinwaghari village. Theyre part of a state-of-the-art, mini water distribution system set up by UNICEF, the Government of Niger and other partners. The aim is to increase sustainable access to drinking water and sanitation in the community, thereby reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea among children.

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• UNICEF
• World
• Water
• Day
• Niger
• safe
• hygiene
• schools
• education
• children