COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — June 16, 2026
Today, as the world recognizes Day of the African Child, Compassion International is highlighting the urgent need for children across Africa to have access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services — essential foundations for health, education, dignity and long-term development.
Observed annually on June 16, Day of the African Child commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when thousands of schoolchildren in South Africa protested for their right to quality education. Today, the day serves as a global reminder to advocate for the rights, protection and well-being of children across Africa.
This year’s Day of the African Child theme, “Ensuring Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) for Every Child in Africa,” draws attention to a daily reality for millions of children. Without reliable access to clean water and safe sanitation, children are more vulnerable to preventable illness, missed school, unsafe environments and barriers that can limit their future opportunities.
Compassion International, a global Christian child-development organization headquartered in Colorado Springs, partners with more than 4,300 local churches across 10 African countries to address these challenges through holistic, community-based care. Across Africa, Compassion currently serves more than 1 million children through its child development programs.
“No child should be denied the basic right to clean water and safe sanitation,” said Palamanga Ouali, Vice President of the Africa Region at Compassion International. “Access to WASH is not just a development issue — it is a matter of dignity, protection and opportunity for every child. When children have clean water and safe environments, they are better able to stay healthy, remain in school and build brighter futures. This is why we have intentionally integrated WASH interventions into Compassion’s holistic child development approach, ensuring that children not only survive but truly thrive.”
Through its partnership with local churches, Compassion supports initiatives designed to create sustainable, child-friendly environments, including:
Improving access to clean and safe water through boreholes, water systems and safe storage solutions
Promoting sanitation infrastructure, including hygienic latrines and handwashing facilities
Strengthening hygiene education to equip children, families and communities with life-saving health practices
Raising community awareness to drive behavior change and protect child health
Country Impact Highlights
In Burkina Faso, WASH initiatives across FY2024 and FY2025 benefited more than 28,000 people. During this period, more than 39 solar-powered boreholes were installed, providing access to safe, reliable water for more than 11,217 individuals. In addition, sanitation infrastructure — including latrines, toilets, handwashing stations and other facilities — was constructed or rehabilitated across 44 partner centers and communities, reaching more than 14,581 people.
“Access to water, sanitation and hygiene is not just about infrastructure — it is about a child’s dignity, health and future,” said Michael Sawadogo, National Director of Compassion International Burkina Faso. “When a child has clean water and safe sanitation, they are more likely to stay in school, stay healthy and reach their full potential. At Compassion International Burkina Faso, we are committed to ensuring that every child grows up in an environment that supports their well-being and empowers them to thrive.”
In Tanzania, more than 44,216 households gained access to safe and potable water during FY2025 through the installation and rehabilitation of water supply systems, boreholes and rainwater harvesting facilities. In addition, 33,467 households improved their sanitation conditions through the construction and upgrading of household latrines and sanitation facilities at Child and Youth Development Centers. More than 107,000 children, youth and caregivers also received education and awareness on improved WASH practices, contributing to healthier communities and reduced risk of waterborne disease.
“There was a time when water was a daily worry for me,” said Munge, age 9, a Compassion-assisted child at a Child and Youth Development Center in central Tanzania. “I would sometimes go to school in an unwashed uniform because we didn’t have enough water at home. Today, thanks to the water project at our church, I can easily access clean water to drink, wash my uniform and take care of my hygiene. It has made my life healthier, easier and happier.”
In Zambia, 40 WASH interventions were implemented in FY2025, benefiting more than 16,932 people, including Compassion program participants and surrounding community members. Of these, 19 solar-powered mechanized boreholes were installed across partner church centers, providing access to clean and safe water for 10,632 beneficiaries. In addition, 21 sanitation facilities were constructed at various partner centers, improving sanitation and hygiene conditions for more than 6,300 people.
As Day of the African Child calls the world to consider the rights and well-being of children across the continent, Compassion International is urging continued collaboration among governments, development partners, faith-based organizations, churches and communities to increase investment in WASH services for children.
“Sustainable change requires collective effort,” Ouali added. “We must work together to ensure that no child is left behind. The future of Africa depends on the health and well-being of its children today.”