SAFE WATER FOR EVERY CHILD: A LIFELINE FOR CHILDREN IN CRISIS
In the heart of the Boyo Division in the Northwest region of Cameroon, communities have endured the devastating impacts of conflict, instability, and natural disasters. Schools, often considered safe havens for children, have borne the brunt of these challenges. The situation worsened on 28 August 2023, when a catastrophic landslide wreaked havoc, leaving thousands of children and families in desperate need of help.
The landslide caused severe damage to the water supply lines of two key systems, cutting off over 6,400 people from access to safe and reliable drinking water. The government water supply line, which served four communities — Njinikejem, Aba Mbenge Up, Twang Nifinigha, and Ibamitoh, with a combined population of about 5,000 was completely destroyed. Meanwhile, the Baptist Mission’s water system, which catered to 1,410 pupils at CBC Belo Primary School and BCHS Njinikejem, as well as a vital healthcare facility was also rendered non-functional.
The absence of safe water sent shockwaves through the affected communities. Schoolchildren and members of Njinikejem were forced to walk nearly 2 kilometres to Belo in search of water for essential activities such as food preparation, laundry, bathing, and drinking. The primary available water source was an unprotected stream, which posed significant health risks and made it nearly impossible to maintain sanitation and hygiene.
The lack of clean water took a toll on health, education, and the overall well-being of children and their families. Outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea, became frequent, threatening lives and undermining efforts to create a conducive learning environment.
For adolescent girls and boys, the impact of the crisis was even more profound. The burden of fetching water often fell on them, requiring long journeys to the unprotected stream. This exposed them to risks such as gender-based violence and kidnapping, as well as delayed or missed school attendance. The struggle for water became a daily reminder of the vulnerability of children living in crisis zones.
Amid these dire circumstances, a remarkable story of resilience and recovery began to unfold. Through the combined efforts of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), UNICEF, and Global Community Rescue (GCR), a transformative intervention was initiated to address the water crisis.
For Catholic School Njinikejem and other affected communities, the intervention was nothing short of lifesaving. By rebuilding and rehabilitating the water supply system, the collaborative team restored access to clean and safe water for thousands of people.
Today, the school and its surrounding communities have a new lease on life. Clean water now flows in Catholic School Njinikejem, transforming the school environment and drastically improving the quality of life for pupils and teachers. The prevalence of waterborne diseases has significantly reduced, and sanitation and hygiene practices have improved.
With safe water readily available, children are healthier, more focused on their education, and better equipped to build a brighter future. The school, once overshadowed by crisis, now serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. The intervention has also had far-reaching effects on the safety and empowerment of children, especially girls. No longer required to undertake perilous journeys to fetch water, girls can now devote their time to learning and personal growth. The risks of gender-based violence and child harassment have been dramatically reduced, creating a safer and more supportive environment for all.
While we celebrate the achievements in Catholic School Njinikejem, the plight of countless other children in crisis zones remains urgent. Thousands of schools and communities continue to face similar challenges, struggling to access basic necessities like clean water, sanitation, and education. The humanitarian response must remain steadfast and unwavering. More resources, partnerships, and collaborative efforts are needed to reach vulnerable children and ensure their rights to safety, health, and education are upheld. With continued support and commitment, we can extend the impact of interventions like these, bringing hope and dignity to more children and communities in need. Together, we can create a world where every child has access to clean water, education, and the opportunity to thrive.
For every child, clean water.
Written by UNICEF implementing Partner GCR and Chungom Emmanuel
