College students bring clean drinking water to African families

First Annual BH2O+ Clean Water Awareness Event Draws 950+ Students Nationwide; Nuru International and Living Water International to Drill Four Deep Water Wells in Kenyan Schools

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – More than 950 students at 11 college and university campuses joined forces the week of April 20 to raise awareness of the need for clean drinking water in Africa. With the generous support of Dry Tears, Living Water International, Radiata Investments and The Franklin and Catherine Johnson Foundation, they raised nearly $37,000, which will enable Nuru International, in partnership with Living Water International, to drill four deep water wells at schools in the Kuria district of Kenya.

The students were part of a nationwide effort called BH2O+, or “Be Hope to Her”, sponsored by Nuru International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public benefit charity committed to pioneering holistic, sustainable solutions to end extreme poverty in partnership with the poor. BH2O+ events featured a rally designed to educate students and community members about the plight of women in Africa created by the lack of accessible clean drinking water. The focal point of each event was a solidarity walk in which hundreds of collegiate women carried buckets of water on their heads through their campuses to a designated water source, in demonstration of the grueling daily task required by girls and women throughout Africa.

Colleges and universities that hosted BH2O+ events include: Ball State, Boston College, Colorado Christian University, Gonzaga University, Marshall University, Stanford University, Virginia Tech, University of Iowa, Wake Forest, West Virginia University and Wingate University. Photo and video highlights from the events are available at bhope2her.org; additional information is available from each campus.

“These college students are bringing hope, opportunity and lasting change to the women of the developing world, by educating and inspiring their fellow students here at home,” said Jake Harriman, CEO of Nuru International. “In addition to providing clean drinking water for the community, these new wells will allow local girls and women to focus on education, personal development and business opportunities.”

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