In the village of Katoba, challenges stemming from poor hygiene and sanitation have long affected the lives of pupils at Katoba Primary School. Limited access to clean water and inadequate sanitation facilities have made it difficult for children to stay healthy and attend school regularly. Many students resort to using unsafe water sources, which increases their risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea. The lack of proper toilets and handwashing facilities has also contributed to unsanitary conditions, making it hard for pupils to practice good hygiene habits both in school and at home. These issues have particularly affected girls, who often miss school during their menstrual cycles due to the absence of private, clean facilities and access to sanitary products.

Through the Sesame WASH UP! programme, pupils in Kadjabi, in the Oti Region, are embracing hygiene education.

Huda, 20, lives in isolation in rural Iraq. Disabled and in need of clean water, toilets, and medical care—her only escape is drawing and imagination.

For years, Nyandwi’s family endured the hardship of walking long distances daily to fetch water, leaving his children too exhausted for school and proper hygiene. This changed when World Vision, in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, installed a nearby water pump, bringing clean, accessible water to their community. The transformation was profound; his children could now attend school on time, focus on their studies, and live healthier lives. With water at home, Nyandwi also improved their nutrition, and life-changing for his family and community.

At Kanchomba Primary School in Hamaundu, Zambia, 19-year-old Jessica’s life has been dramatically transformed thanks to World Vision’s work in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Now in twelfth grade, Jessica recalls spending up to three hours each day fetching water. She would walk before school, at lunchtime, and again in the evening, often missing classes due to these lengthy trips.

A new borehole at Muiticula Primary now provides clean water to 400+ students, improving health, hygiene, and education through the PARES project.

World Vision International (WVI) is committed to combating hunger and improving food security for vulnerable populations, with a strong focus on children, those most affected by food insecurity

“Before the borehole came, we used to suffer. We didn’t have the time to go to the field and cultivate. Only one person would go and farm, which is why poverty became worse,” says Charity.

In Kosa Qala, northern Afghanistan, families had no choice but to drink from contaminated water sources. Waterborne diseases were part of daily life, especially for children. The burden fell hardest on women, children, and people with disabilities like Jamaludin. Now, clean water flows from taps at their doorsteps — a lifeline made possible through World Vision’s programme. But this progress is fragile. Afghanistan’s water crisis is a multifaceted emergency, fueled by climate change, and inadequate infrastructure. A staggering 59% of water systems are broken or dried up after decades of underfunding. Without urgent and sustained investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), millions more lives will be at risk. 🎥 Watch the story of Kosa Qala – a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and why this vital work must continue across more villages.