Stephen Roese
Spring Break or Heat Break?

In South Sudan, schools have shuttered their doors for a brief respite amidst the scorching heat that would otherwise consume their precious time. But this isn't the typical Spring Break getaway to Florida's beaches or Colorado's snowy slopes. No, it's a different kind of break – a Heat Break.

Spring Break or Heat Break?
Stephen Roese
Transforming Futures in South Sudan: A East ...

This story of Water is Basic is way bigger than clean water. It’s economic opportunity, generational transformation, women's empowerment, and hope for a nation.

Transforming Futures in South Sudan: A East Texas Board Member's Perspective
Stephen Roese
Transforming Lives with Just $20? Yes you can!

That’s why I’m inviting you to keep the good going today. Your thoughtfulness will:

  • Provide access to clean water for another 200,000 people in 2024.

  • Encourage consistent management of our work by extremely committed staff.

  • Ensure another group of women-led pump mechanics is trained and deployed. 

Transforming Lives with Just $20? Yes you can!
Stephen Roese
What is Happening is Next Level! It's a Ripple ...
What is Happening is Next Level! It's a Ripple Effect.
Stephen Roese
Because it's smart and we all need smart right ...

Since last year, we have suffered a lot here in school due to the lack of water. During that time, we released pupils early before the sun got hot because they became thirsty when they stayed until noon and had no water to drink.

Because it's smart and we all need smart right now!

Fundraising

South Helps South Sudan

From Service Project to Transformation

The 5th grade class at South Elementary School in Midland, Texas was encouraged by the school district to get involved in a service project. What transpired over a few months during their spring semester is what their 5th-grade teacher and project leader, Lesley Stigall, calls transformational.

A Movie, a Book, and a Jerry Can

Lesley introduced the 5th graders to their service project by showing them Water is Basic’s award-winning film RU: Water is Life.  They then read the book A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. The class discussed how partnering with Water is Basic to drill water wells in South Sudan not only brings water to those in need but allows younger children opportunities, such as getting an education, that they wouldn’t otherwise have.

Once they committed to raising money for clean water in South Sudan, the students began to walk around the school with a partially-filled jerrycan. Lesley said that as the students took on this project, she immediately started to see a difference in their behavior in the classroom. Simply put, she said this project has permanently transformed her students, as they now understand that we are all one people working together for the good of others.

Telling their Story to Others in Midland, Texas

Once the students decided to raise funds for clean water, they needed a way to tell their story and get donations coming in. Every 5th-grade student wrote a personal letter summarizing their project and goals, and then these letters (with pictures of each student) were circulated into the community of Midland, Texas. Water is Basic also created a fundraising page on their website where donations could be made, and this combined approach raised over $3,500.

The school bulletin board was full of thank you letters from those who donated to this project. The letters thank the students for asking them to be involved and praise them for thinking of other children who need clean water and a chance at an education just like they have at South Elementary School.

Start a Project of your Own

Read more about the South Elementary project in the Midland Reporter here.

If you would like to start your own fundraiser, click GET INVOLVED on our homepage and choose, CREATE YOUR OWN FUNDRAISER or click here. 

Contact: Doug Fair, doug@waterisbasic.org

Our Current Audited Financials