International Teachers’ Day: Celebrating Teachers and the Power of Safe Water

This International Teachers’ Day, we celebrate teachers’ commitment to their students and recognise the role that safe water plays in helping schools become healthier and more productive places to learn and work. 

One of those teachers is Chilomo, who has been teaching English, Science and Home Economics in Zambia. 

Before improvements to her school’s water supply, teachers and students relied on a handpump for their daily water needs. While the pump was generally reliable, it was heavily used by both the school and surrounding community members. Early each morning, long queues would form, and collecting water could take more than 20 minutes. 

Today, the situation has changed. Thanks to Village Water’s partner ECHO, safe water is available through taps at the school, including water connections serving teachers’ accommodation. Communities now have access to their own water points near their villages, reducing the need to collect water from the school grounds. 

For teachers like Chilomo, these improvements make a real difference. Reliable access to water means fewer interruptions during the school day and a more supportive environment for teaching and learning. 

This International Teachers’ Day, you can help create better learning environments for more teachers and students. Your donation can support access to safe water, sanitation and menstrual health services in schools across Zambia and Mozambique, helping children learn and teachers thrive. Donate today www.villagewater.org/donate