George Yap
There are few things more fundamental than clean drinking water, or having a safe and dignified place to go to the toilet.
Since WaterCan’s creation in 1987, we have helped provide these most basic services to more than 1.2 million people in the developing world, and worked hard to earn our reputation as one of Canada’s leading development charities dedicated to improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation in the developing world.
WaterCan’s development approach focuses on supporting and strengthening the capacities of African partner organizations and local communities to develop sustainable solutions for meeting local water and sanitation needs. In Canada, we work tirelessly communicating the health and development benefits of water and sanitation investments to the general public, donors, and key decision-makers.
For me, the true value of an organization like WaterCan goes beyond the number of wells or latrines built. How these initiatives change people’s lives for the better – such as healthier children, or local residents spending more time growing nutritious foods instead of searching for water – are much better measures of our success. WaterCan’s means to effect positive change in local communities may differ from, say, an agricultural or education development organization, but we all share a common dream– a more equitable and just world.
In 2012, WaterCan will celebrate its 25th Anniversary of pursuing its vision of Clean Water for All. My heartfelt thanks to all of our supporters for helping us reach this notable milestone. Working together, I have every confidence that WaterCan’s next 25 years of effort will continue transforming the lives of significantly more families and communities in Africa.
George Yap, Executive Director
Banner photo credit: Peter Bregg
