- 27,104 students and teachers in Tanzania have benefited from our safe water programme in the Ngorongoro Crater region -

In developing countries millions of people are challenged by the burden of infectious disease, malnutrition and health complications, simply because they do not have access to clean drinking water. In Tanzania this issue is rife. Tanzania’s population is approximately 54 million, of which a shocking 27 million people lack access to safe water.

At Sanctuary Retreats, we have a deep-rooted commitment to the local communities in which we operate. Our Safe Water for Schools Programme in Tanzania has introduced LifeStraw filters to local communities surrounding Ngorongoro Crater. The LifeStraw Filter is a high-volume water purifier designed to deliver safe drinking water. The filter uses hollow fibre purification technology, which converts contaminated water into safe drinking water. The filter removes a minimum of 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.999% of viruses and 99.99% of protozoan parasites. It also prevents waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera, worms and cryptosporidiosis.

Together with LifeStraw and our guests, we now provide clean water to 15 schools; one in Arusha town, two in Babati and twelve within the Ngorongoro Crater area. A total of 9,922 children will receive education on health, sanitation and hygiene practices and now have access to clean and safe water. A filter was also distributed to a health centre, which treats an average 1,000 patients per day. The total number of children reached by the programme is now 27,104.

The success of this project has set a precedent for the future. Government and Education Officials have agreed to responsibly maintain the filters, as well as promoting safe water, sanitation and hygiene practices.

The local community have been overwhelmed with the impact of the LifeStraw Filter on their everyday lives as people are healthier, happier and children can learn more effectively.

Hear from the community: