Access to clean, safe water is a basic human right and yet, for many communities around the world, it remains out of reach. That’s why the Shah Family Foundation was proud to support Lifewater Canada and its local partner, Lifewater Health Initiative of Nigeria (LHIN), in bringing clean water and health education to schools in Nigeria.
2026 Impact Update
The project has now been completed, with four new wells installed at schools in Nigeria, benefiting 2,052 students and staff. These wells have provided reliable access to clean, safe water for students and school communities, while also making it easier for schools to maintain clean and sanitary facilities.In addition to the new wells, LHIN delivered four health and hygiene workshops covering waterborne diseases, prevention and treatment, and the importance of proper hygiene.The project also introduced LHIN’s new menstrual dignity kit program in Nigeria. Young girls received reusable menstrual hygiene kits and participated in sessions about menstrual cycles, hygiene, and the challenges and stigma they may experience. At Gold Spring School alone, 95 girls participated in the menstrual hygiene session, while 38 girls at Wonderful Kiddies International Academy received menstrual dignity kits.The impact was particularly meaningful at schools where students had previously relied on contaminated rivers, streams, shallow wells, or water carried from home. With new wells on school grounds, students no longer need to spend time searching for water during the school day, while families can also benefit as students bring clean water home.Teachers and students expressed their gratitude for the improved access to clean water and the opportunity to openly discuss menstrual health in a supportive environment.
The Original Project
This grant supported the drilling of four new wells on school grounds, addressing critical water-access challenges at schools in communities where safe water was difficult to access. Each school also received a health and hygiene workshop, with menstrual dignity kits distributed to girls of menstruating age.Lifewater Canada’s data shows that interventions like these can have significant long-term effects. In communities where wells are installed, women and girls save an average of 94 minutes per day previously spent fetching water. Lifewater Canada has also reported that menstrual dignity programs can contribute to a 74% reduction in absenteeism, a 55% improvement in test scores, and an 80% reduction in teen pregnancies.The project directly aligned with the Shah Family Foundation’s 2025 priority of Clean Water & Accessibility, reflecting our commitment to creating long-term, sustainable change in health, education, and opportunity.We are honoured to have partnered with Lifewater Canada to help students thrive in school, improve their health, and access the resources they need to learn and grow.
To learn more about Lifewater Canada and its work bringing clean water, sanitation, and health education to communities around the world,visit www.lifewater.ca.
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