Clean Water for Students as Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) Installs Solar Water Wells in Pakistan

In many parts of rural Pakistan, access to clean and safe drinking water remains a serious challenge. Globally, an estimated 2.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 3.4 million people die each year from water-related diseases. Children are especially vulnerable; nearly 6,000 children die every day from illnesses linked to contaminated water.

In Pakistan, the situation remains particularly concerning. According to international monitoring reports, nearly 27,000 children die each year from diarrhea-related diseases, many of which are connected to unsafe water and poor sanitation. These realities highlight the urgent need for sustainable water solutions in underserved communities.

The burden of water scarcity falls heaviest on rural families. In many villages across Pakistan, women and children spend three to six hours each day walking long distances, often more than 3–4 miles, to collect water. This time-consuming responsibility prevents children from focusing on school and limits economic opportunities for families. In districts such as Charsadda, schools and surrounding communities have historically lacked reliable water sources, forcing students to bring water from home or rely on nearby sources that are often unsafe or insufficient during hot weather.

To address these challenges, in the last few months of 2025, Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) installed two solar-powered water wells at government schools in District Charsadda. One well was installed at Government Grammar School in Dab Ghareeb Abad, benefiting approximately 350 people daily, while another was installed at Government Primary School in Sawato Kelay, serving around 300 people. These solar-powered systems provide a sustainable and reliable source of clean drinking water directly on school grounds, ensuring that students, teachers, and nearby residents have access to safe water throughout the day.

The impact of these installations has been significant. With clean water now readily available, the risk of waterborne diseases has decreased, and students can remain hydrated during long school days. Families no longer need to rely on distant or unsafe sources, and children can focus on their education instead of worrying about access to water. In addition to improving health, reliable water access supports stronger school attendance, better concentration in class, and greater stability for the surrounding community.

Azmat Ullah, a senior teacher at Government Grammar School in Dab Ghareeb Abad, explained how the new water facility has transformed the school environment. Previously, students often had to bring water from home or rely on nearby sources that were not always safe. During the hot summer months, this frequently led to dehydration and poor classroom participation. With clean water now available on campus, students are healthier, more attentive, and better able to focus on their studies.

Students themselves have also experienced the difference. Mehar Bano, a student at Government Primary School in Sawato Kelay, shared that the lack of safe drinking water once disrupted school life and affected attendance. With the installation of the solar water well, students now have easy access to clean water throughout the day. She expressed gratitude for the project, noting that the new facility has created a healthier and more supportive learning environment for both students and teachers.

These water wells are a foundation for healthier communities and opportunities for children. LIFE and its compassionate donors are helping ensure that children can learn, families can thrive, and communities can move forward with dignity. With continued support, LIFE remains committed to expanding access to clean water and bringing sustainable solutions to communities that need them most.