Clean water in Garoua
The challenge
Water should give life – yet for many families in Garoua, the daily struggle for water defines everyday life.
In the Djamboutou district in northern Cameroon, around 200 families – approximately 1,000 people – live under extremely difficult conditions. Many have fled poverty, violence or terrorism in search of a safer future. Yet even the most basic necessity is missing: reliable access to clean drinking water.
During the eight-month dry season, temperatures regularly exceed 45°C (113°F). The few available water sources are often far away and cannot meet the needs of the growing population. Women and children spend one to three hours every day collecting water—time that should be spent at school, at work, or with their families.
With no alternative, many families rely on open ponds or unprotected wells shared with livestock. The consequences are severe: diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery remain common. People are fully aware of the risks—but they simply have no other choice.
For the people of Djamboutou, water is much more than a basic necessity. It means health. Time. Education. Hope. And the opportunity to live with dignity.
Our Vision
Everyone deserves access to clean drinking water—regardless of where they were born or how much money their family has.
Through this project, we aim to provide far more than a new water source. We want to restore quality of life, safety and hope for the people of Djamboutou.
A reliable water point close to the community means families no longer have to depend on unsafe water sources. Children can spend their time in school instead of walking long distances to collect water. Women gain valuable time for their families or income-generating activities, while the risk of waterborne diseases is significantly reduced.
Our investment is therefore not simply in infrastructure. We invest in health, education, equal opportunities and the future of an entire community.
This project directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), while also supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
How We create Lasting Change
Sustainable development begins when local communities become part of the solution.
That is why we focus on long-term solutions that continue to benefit the people of Djamboutou for many years.
Together with experienced professionals and local community leaders, we plan to build a new well that provides reliable access to clean drinking water. Where technically and economically feasible, we will also assess whether existing wells can be upgraded or expanded to make the best use of available infrastructure.
Whenever possible, the well will operate with solar power or a hybrid system. Compared to a traditional hand pump, this solution makes water collection faster, easier and far less physically demanding—especially during peak hours when many families depend on the same water source.
This will make a real difference for women and children, who are usually responsible for collecting water. Less waiting time and reduced physical effort mean more time for education, family life and income-generating activities.
From planning to implementation, we work closely with the local community. Local leaders will help oversee the project and take responsibility for the well after completion, ensuring that it serves future generations.
Our goal is not simply to provide water. We want to create a sustainable solution that lasts—owned by the community and made possible through the generosity of people like you.
The Difference Your Support Makes
Clean water changes far more than daily routines—it changes lives.
By supporting this project, you do more than provide access to clean drinking water. You help create opportunities that will have a lasting impact.
Children no longer have to spend hours fetching water and can instead attend school, study and simply enjoy being children. Women are relieved from one of their most physically demanding daily tasks and gain time for their families or economic activities.
Clean water also means fewer cases of typhoid, cholera and other waterborne diseases. Families spend less on medical treatment, children miss fewer school days, and the overall health of the community improves.
Reliable access to water also strengthens social cohesion by reducing long waiting times and conflicts over scarce water resources.
Every donation is more than an investment in a well. It is an investment in health, education, dignity and the future of an entire community.
For the people of Djamboutou, change begins with clean water. For you, it begins with a single act of generosity. Help create new opportunities for an entire community.
Donate
Think & Act differently e.V.
IBAN: DE77 8306 5408 0105 2075 76
BIC: GENODEF1SLR
Bank: Deutsche Skatbank
Reference: Project name* or General, followed by your postal address.
*Please specify one of our projects (project name) or "General". This helps us allocate your donation correctly.
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