Waves For Water Program

Project Liberia

Monrovia, Liberia

Stats and Progress

$16,116 / $25,000

Money Raised (USD)

$8,884

Remaining to Goal

64%

Percent Funded

8,058

People Impacted

Program Overview

    Ten years after the devastating civil war, just 1 in 4 Liberians has access to safe drinking water, according to the World Health Organization. Half of all Liberians have no access to a toilet and use streams or open areas. Outbreaks of water-borne diseases like cholera occur regularly. As many as 1 in 5 deaths in Liberia are blamed on water and sanitation problems.

    A Brief History of Liberia: In 1820 Liberia was established as a colony for freed slaves from the United States. In 1847, these colonists founded the Republic of Liberia, establishing a government modeled on that of the United States and naming the capital city Monrovia after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States.

    Fast forward 2003: Towards the end of a long, and brutal, civil war, women were able to achieve peace in Liberia after 14 years of war - and helped bring to power the country's first female president. This amazing story is told in the 2008 documentary, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell." During the war, rebels destroyed all water and energy infrastructure, so most safe water delivery systems are now gone.

    Fast forward to 2012: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf selected Kimmie Weeks to be Chairman of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC). Dr Weeks says a role with the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation gives him another opportunity to contribute to his long history of humanitarian work and activism. He observed: “Access to safe and clean drinking water is one of the most basic of human rights. Being a part of the team at LWSC gives me an opportunity to ensure that every Liberian has access to safe water.” Waves For Water is focusing on Liberia in addition to the many other spots throughout the world to fight the war on clean water.

    Support This Program

    The funds raised through this program will go directly towards the implementation of water filtration systems, the construction or repair of bore-hole wells, and/or rainwater harvesting systems.

    In addition, you can create a personal fundraiser page. 100% of the funds raised through your fundraiser will go towards the specific Waves For Water program that you select when creating your fundraiser.

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