This post is part of the 40 Day Fast, a collaborative effort by 80 bloggers to draw attention to the world’s great needs hosted by Inspired to Action. Be sure to also check out Tim’s post today as well.

The first time I ever heard of Water Aid was back in the summer of 2006 when Rob Bell came through on his “Everything Is Spiritual” speaking tour.  All proceeds of this tour went to a civic organization called Water Aid.  At the time, I had no idea who they were or what type of work they did other than the quite obvious “water aid”.  I assumed that they helped those without clean water get clean water, but I had no idea about the way they went about accomplishing this mission.

What I learned was incredible.  Water Aid describes itself as an International charity whose mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.  Water Aid began in the United Kingdom in 1981, with Prince Charles as their President.  Today they are one of the most respected charities that deal solely with water, sanitation and hygiene issues.

One of the most surprising things that I learned about the way Water Aid works is how they involve the community and the technologies that they use to bring clean water.  They aim to use technology that is low cost, easily bought and transported to their community, and easy to maintain and operate.  Communities are also required to be a part of every step in the process that is required to build the water source. This creates a deep sense of ownership for the project and compels the community to care for it and keep it running properly.  All this means is that later on, if there is a problem with the water source, it doesn’t go unfixed.  The community knows where to get the parts, and how to fix it.

Water Aid now works in 17 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific region.  While they help communities build wells and water systems they also place strong emphasis on education about sanitation and hygiene.  On their website they make resources available for free that teach primary and secondary schools about water around the world.  There are several opportunities to get involved as well, from corporate sponsorship to volunteer opportunities.

If you are interested in finding out more about Water Aid, please click through and take 13 minutes to watch the video linked below.  There are also several more informative and inspiring videos on their website.

Intro To Water Aid

Although Water Aid is not a religious ministry, the work that they do is most definitely reaching out to the least of these.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:35-40