LIFE-CHANGING ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER

Sisia is one of many parishioners from our Parish Link Sister Parish in Toliara, Madagascar to receive a water filter from The Diocese of Toliara in partnership with Education Equals Hope and their clean water initiative, Hope 2 Others, which is providing water filters to families and schools. Contaminated water in Toliara has severe health, economic, and social consequences for the local population.

As a church community, we responded to the Friends of Toliara Christmas Appeal, sending 337 water filters in February. These filters were donated by several individual donors, and members of St Gregory's and the Chapel of St Andrew in Boca Raton.  

In sharing their gratitude for the filters, recipients such as Sisia reported many truly wonderful consequences of their newly acquired access to clean water. Among these are significant time and money saved and improved health. Recipients report that access to clean water is, as Sisia says, “life changing”. The filters are “saving hours every day spent collecting water. Not only does walking for water keep children out of school or take up time that parents could be using to earn money, but the water carries diseases such as diarrhea and worms, infections that can make family members sick” 

In Toliara, water is often drawn from wells or puddles, which are frequently unsafe, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio. The World Health Organization notes that safe water, sanitation, and hygiene can prevent a significant proportion of disease. Children under five are especially vulnerable, with contaminated water linked to high rates of stunted growth due to malnutrition and chronic illness. Women and children also face physical strain from long-distance water collection, which can disrupt schooling and daily activities. 

Access to clean water is a fundamental right, but in rural areas like Toliara, it remains a privilege for many. Supporting this ministry is truly an impactful way to help share Christ’s love with our sister parishioners and helps promote not only better health, but educational and economic opportunity. Please donate by clicking the link below or be on the lookout for a parish-wide appeal later this year. Thank you for your support and continuing to make a difference in Madagascar.

Education Equals Hope | Kindful

-Rose Sandoval