Water Day: École Vedruna in Fonds-Parisien, Haiti provides access to safe drinking water for everyone

This March 22, on World Water Day, it is important to remember that there are still places in the world where lack of access to safe drinking water is an ever-evolving humanitarian crisis. In Haiti, violence and lack of access to basic services, such as water and sanitation, have created an alarming situation.

However, for several years now, the Vedruna community has been actively working to provide assistance with the three pillars of our charism: social, educational and health support. Specifically at the École Vedruna, in Fonds-Parisien, Haiti, this space not only functions as a learning site for the children, but also as a health center and a source of drinking water supply for the community.

Vedruna Sister Mª Lusitânia de Souza tells us firsthand the importance of this water purification system in this video she sent us. Here he tells us that the well was built in 2010 along with the construction of the school, and the treated water system was installed in 2013. The water is for the school, the health center and is sold to the people of the community at a very low symbolic price. However, due to the country’s situation, this school has become the only drinking water stand in the area. Many people go there in search of water.

On this water day, the community of Fonds-Parisien unites to highlight the importance of taking action to ensure access to drinking water and to promote awareness of the value of caring for this essential resource for life. The construction of the well and the treated water system are just one example of how effective measures can be taken to ensure access to safe drinking water in disadvantaged areas.