Green Schools Project Aims Bring Clean Water To School Kids In Africa

A Kemptville man is working to bring clean water to over 1,000 school children in East Africa.

Earlier this week, the Ryan’s Well Foundation announced it is partnering with Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR) to launch the Green Schools Project, which aims to bring water, sanitation and hygiene to students in Malawi. 

Founder of the foundation Ryan Hreljac has been working with CPAR for 22 years, and in that time, they’ve been able to provide clean water to 1.1 million people. 

“The idea with this project is to get clean water and sanitation to students in Malawi,” Hreljac said. “It’s a place we’ve done work in the best and we’re excited to re-engage with CPAR to do quality work, and getting people water who need it most.” 

Under the agreement, the Ryan’s Well Foundation is contributing funds for the construction of four 30,000-litre rainwater harvesting tanks for four primary schools.

This will include 40 latrine stances, and sanitation and hygiene education for the teachers and staff.

Hreljac says the project will teach kids about sustainable agriculture and includes the establishment of community and school gardens aided by water from the tanks. 

“We wanted this project to go somewhere that it will be cared for and looked after, and really have a long-term sustainable impact,” Hreljac said. “So, that’s one of the benefits of this program. We’re excited that it’s going to people who need it most in a place where people desperately need access to clean water.” 

According to Hreljac, 1.7 million people in Malawi don’t have access to safe water. 

Having grown up learning about the challenges faced by African communities in regards to clean water, he says it’s an uplifting feeling to be able to help with the project.

“We have so many supporters from the community and beyond that have been able to help us do our work and help make a tangible impact,” he said. “I think it’s important to know that yeah, the world is a crazy place but there’s something we can do, whether it’s water or something else. And we’re so privileged to have so many people along for the ride with us to try and make a difference. 

To learn more about the project, you can visit the Ryan’s Well Foundation website.