The projects you are helping fund are located in the Bihar and West Bengal States of India. Bihar has the lowest Human Development Index and per capita income of all 29 states and seven Union Territories in India. Located on a separate island currently only reachable by boat, Namkhana Block, where we are working in West Bengal, has a population of approximately 182,830 people—89% of whom live below the poverty line. Life in both States is made even more challenging by lack of access to clean water, but thanks to you and our implementing partner, Water For People, we are working to change this.

The initiative you’re funding is at the halfway point, and we’re thrilled to report that everything is on track!

So far, 15 water points have been completed and nine Water User Committees (WUCs) have been formed. WUCs are 12-member committees (with 70% female participation) that are selected by the community. The committees receive quarterly training on operating and maintaining the water points and are also responsible for promoting hygiene messages. In Bihar, where education and literacy levels are low, these sanitation and hygiene messages are communicated through dramas and performances.

In schools, two similar committees of students have been formed—and they’ve already had 65 meetings! Water For People trains these committees of students to act as agents of change and to educate their peer groups on positive hygienic practices. The students also monitor the operation and maintenance of the facilities throughout the year.

Water changes everything—access to education, improved nutrition, gender equality—and so much more. Thank you for partnering with us to change the lives of people in Bihar and West Bengal!