Water Matters

The latest on our work and those supporting it



The Impact of Philanthropy: The Best Gift This Holiday Season


Wednesday, December 18th, 2024by Jamie Heminway

The holiday season is a time for giving — a time to show love, spread kindness, and share joy.  But what if your gift could do more? What if it could transform lives, bring health, and offer hope not just for today, but for generations to come?  This holiday season, the gift of clean water […]

 

Thankful for Water: Voices from Sub-Saharan Africa


Wednesday, November 27th, 2024by Jamie Heminway

This Thanksgiving, as we gather with family and friends, let’s take a moment to appreciate something simple yet essential: clean water. For many, turning on the tap is an afterthought. But in communities served by The Water Project, access to clean, safe water is a transformative gift — one that inspires deep gratitude. Here are […]

 

How much water should you really drink to stay hydrated?


Thursday, November 7th, 2024by Jamie Heminway

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be medical advice and was not written by a medical professional. Please consult with your doctor about the best level of hydration for your body. For a while, it seemed like the media, celebrities, and even health professionals were all on a “drink more water” crusade. Drinking extra […]

 

The Multi-Sided Story of Palm Oil


Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024by Jamie Heminway

In the United States, we have a knee-jerk negative reaction to palm oil because of its negative press. People in our culture have been trained to think that palm oil is bad for our bodies and the environment.  However, in many communities around the world, including Sierra Leone, palm oil production is a crucial source […]

 

Mawia’s Life Transformed: From Endless Walking for Water to Dreaming of College


Wednesday, July 10th, 2024by Jamie Heminway

This past spring, we sent our friends a special appeal to join us in the fight against drought — specifically, to help our 18-year-old friend, Mawia. Now, the day Mawia dreamed about has arrived.

 

Happy Sierra Leone National Independence Day 2024!


Saturday, April 27th, 2024by Jamie Heminway

Today is Sierra Leone Independence Day! On this day in 1961, Sierra Leone gained independence from England, emerging as a sovereign state. To honor this important day, we asked several Sierra Leoneans to recount their personal Independence Day reflections and celebrations.

 

Water is Sacred 


Wednesday, December 27th, 2023by Jamie Heminway

Just think, for a moment, of how important water is in your life. You need to drink water every day to stay alive. You need water to clean your body, brush your teeth, wash your hands, and dispose of waste inside and outside your body. Water is hugely important, and even imagining life without water […]

 

What Makes the Kenyan Season of Goodwill Last All Year Long?


Friday, December 15th, 2023by Jamie Heminway

In her blog from earlier this year, Kenyan staff member Catherine Chepkemoi shared her experience living without clean water for so long. During this time, she needed help to afford higher education and, later, to build a home. Her community — including her friends, neighbors, and coworkers — helped her realize those dreams through a […]

 

Tips for Visiting Africa for the First Time


Wednesday, September 13th, 2023by Jamie Heminway

Many of our US-based staff members at The Water Project have lived, worked, or been on extended visits to Africa. We’re well aware that Africa is an entire continent; travelers should expect big differences between countries, regions, and even counties/sub-counties. However, some travel tips can apply anywhere. We thought we’d share some of our cumulative knowledge […]

 

Just Flour and Water: The Dish Eaten ‘Round a Continent


Tuesday, June 20th, 2023by Jamie Heminway

It’s called by many names.  In Sierra Leone, it’s called fufu or foofoo. In Uganda, it’s posho. In Kenya, it’s ugali. But all over Africa and the Caribbean, people are (essentially) eating the same thing. With its worldwide adoration, I was surprised I’d never heard of this dish until I started working at The Water […]