What We Do
Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Poverty with Water
Studies show that access to clean water is the single most important factor for a communities health, education, and safety.
Our Story Stems from Need
Most of us can access clean water whenever we need it, at the turn of a knob or the twist of a bottle cap. Water to wash our dishes, bathe our children, or simply to quench our thirst.
But when founder Martha Wells Hoffman first traveled to Uganda in 2006, she saw the devastating effects of a water crisis: people who have to walk miles through unsafe areas every day, sometimes multiple times, to fetch water for their families. Water that is often dirty or unsafe to use. This simple act of drinking or using this contaminated water is the leading cause of death and disease across the country of Uganda and is responsible for the death of thousands of children every year.
Armed with this knowledge and a determined heart, Martha started Call to Care Uganda and began bringing clean water to these communities in need. Almost 17 years, hundreds of volunteers, and 89 wells later, the organization is still hard at work helping make clean water dreams a reality.
"CTCU Safe Water" Program
The process for creating a borehole well can vary by location, but generally they cost around $7,500 and take about 2 weeks to complete. The community is involved in the process from start to finish. At each well project site, "well committees" are formed and elected community members are trained to maintain the borehole for lasting success and sustainability.
Each well costs around $7,500 and takes about 2 weeks to complete.
These committee leaders monitor water gathering so it is orderly and protected, and they also collect funds that are saved for maintenance needs. Understandably and proactively, these villagers do not ever want to go without water again and are now planning for their ongoing success!
Each well is dedicated and celebrated with brand new, clean “Jerry Cans” and information distributed to each village household to promote hygiene with water gathering from their community owned well.
Borehole Wells are Better
The main benefit of drilling a deep bore well (as opposed to a shallow well) is the overall longevity. This type of methodology when maintained properly lasts 50+ years (an entire generation!) From a financial standpoint, it is a sound long-term investment. For the amount of people one borehole will serve (average 1,000), it is also much more cost effective than providing individual filters. It is easy to maintain as well. With the abundant aquafers in Uganda, this type of well works almost anywhere in the country and provides a consistent supply to the community.
