COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. and CHARLESTON, S.C. — March 20, 2026
Ahead of World Water Day on March 22, Compassion International and Water Mission are highlighting their partnership addressing the global water crisis and expanding safe water access for children and families living in poverty.
Through their Global WASH Alliance, Compassion International and Water Mission have partnered to implement sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions in vulnerable communities, working alongside local churches and community leaders. Since the partnership began, the alliance has helped provide safe water access to more than 134,900 people, including over 31,000 children, while partnering with 171 churches supporting community water projects.
Two examples of the partnership’s work include a disaster response effort in Malawi following Cyclone Freddy in 2023 and a more recent sustainable safe water system serving more than 6,000 residents, including more than 3,600 children, in the rural community of Chimwenje.
"We spent four hours drawing water, and everything would stop just to fetch water,” said Lydia, a resident of a nearby village served by the project. “Now our children drink clean and safe water, and we can spend time caring for our families.” Community members helped design the system, and local leaders were trained to support ongoing maintenance and management, helping to ensure the system remains sustainable for years to come.
“Access to clean, safe, sustainable water is essential for the health and development of children and vital for their communities,” said Jimmy Mellado, president and CEO of Compassion International. “We are so grateful to be in partnership with Water Mission. Leveraging each other’s strengths allows both organizations to expand our shared kingdom impact, as we also expand sustainable solutions that serve children and families around the world.”
Presentations and discussion on the global water crisis will take place at an upcoming Water Mission event, from March 19-21 in Charleston. Mellado will deliver a keynote address on March 20, highlighting the role of partnerships in addressing global water challenges.
"Compassion International's partnership with Water Mission is leveraging the combined talents and resources of both organizations to bring safe and Living Water to children and families around the world," said Water Mission CEO and President George C. Greene, IV, PE. "Clean, safe water transforms lives. Children who are healthy and free from deadly water-related illnesses can attend school, parents can provide for their families, and whole communities can thrive."
Compassion International and Water Mission are also working with national partners in countries including Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Tanzania, and Uganda to identify and implement additional safe water projects in the years ahead.
Additional Resources:
Watch the partnership video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lyAZVruvi0
Media Contact:
Taylor Koziarz
Compassion International
[email protected]
980-428-4812