Chimaltenango, Guatemala is one of our largest and most collaborative water projects.

In partnership with our sister charity Water4Life Ministry, we sent a total of 2,000 VF100 water filters to mothers and their families in Chimaltenango and the surrounding area over the course of one year. Filter distribution, assembly and maintenance training, and water hygiene education was primarily led by our local distribution partner Sarape Social, which was funded by a Kellog’s Better Days grant.

The number of people and organizations that came together to share sustainable clean water resources with families in need proves just how much good can be accomplished when we work together to end the world water crisis.

This specific water project is particularly unique because it focused primarily on mothers.

In Hispanic culture mothers are the heart of the family and community. By focusing on mothers—the primary caregivers and decision makers—clean water filters and clean water hygiene and the benefits it provides is better adopted into the home and community as a whole.

Similar to other water projects, the Chimaltenango area was chosen and prioritized based on high poverty levels and the large lack of clean water.

Guatemala as a whole has a number of challenges that make it a high priority for receiving clean water resources. Guatemala is the number one country in Latin America for child malnutrition and its levels of stunting in children under the age of five is close to 50%. In addition to this, only half the population uses drinking water from an infrastructure source that is available when needed and free from contamination, and 30% off the population lacks basic sanitation resources.

But with water challenges also comes the incredible opportunities that can be shared when water needs are met.

Now that families in the Chimaltenango area have VF100 water filters and access to clean, safe drinking water, they can experience improved health. Better health not only improves overall wellbeing but also allows children to attend school and individuals to work to better provide for their families. Now that families can make water safe to drink from the water available to them, they can save the money they were using to purchase water from markets and start leaving the bonds on poverty.

Clean water changes and saves lives, just as it has done in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Help share more clean water in communities around the world by donating today.