Water purification plan

The One Foundation has launched a public advocacy campaign, calling on everyone to join hands in improving drinking water conditions in rural schools, promoting hygiene and health education, and ensuring that children in rural areas have access to sufficient, safe, and affordable drinking water.

"Every time I see that bright blue machine in the school corridor, I feel a deep sense of gratitude," said Principal Li of a project school in Linfen, Shanxi. "This machine is a fountain of health for over 200 children. Since the installation of the water purification equipment, we’ve effectively resolved the drinking water challenges faced by both students and teachers. In the past, children had to bring their own water to school, and often some forgot their bottles. Now, they can have water immediately after class, and it’s at the perfect temperature. We’re especially grateful for the accompanying hygiene and health courses. With engaging animations about bacteria and catchy songs for the 'seven-step handwashing routine,' children have developed excellent water-drinking and hygiene habits, reducing the incidence of illness. Even those who previously had poor hygiene habits now wash their hands before meals."

Before installing any water purification equipment, local social organizations collaborating with the One Foundation conduct on-site research to understand the schools' specific needs. A partner organization in Shanxi shared that during field visits, they discovered that some remote schools relied on thermos barrels to provide hot water for children. Due to water quality issues, thick layers of limescale would accumulate in the barrels.

What worries principals even more is the risk of children getting scalded by boiling water. Schools had to assign teachers to take turns boiling, cooling, and monitoring the water daily, as well as supervising children when they filled their cups.

Currently, many rural schools still rely on boiling water or purchasing bottled water, which presents challenges such as inadequate filtration of contaminants and high costs. The Water Purification Plan provides rural schools with water purification equipment, distributes water cups to children, and organizes hygiene and health education programs.

Now, the children have achieved "water freedom" and have grown fond of this big blue friend.