How Thirst Relief Ensures Accountability in Our Projects:
When it comes to securing access to clean water in developing communities, accountability is critical. At Thirst Relief, we understand the importance of verifying that our work is truly making a difference. Ensuring that water points are installed correctly and are providing long-term benefits requires more than just good intentions—it requires solid proof. Through a combination of technologies, expert analysis, and on-the-ground verification, we are able to confidently assess the impact of our projects and ensure that every dollar donated is put to good use.
Key Methods for Securing Proof of Work
Water Surveys:
A Digital Tool for Real-Time Verification
One of the most innovative tools we've integrated into our operations is mWater, a platform that allows field teams to conduct real-time water point installations, monitor the status of water equipment, and provide transparent, reliable data. Using mobile devices, local staff in the field complete surveys, uploading data such as water quality results, pump functionality, biosand filter flow rates, and the operational status of installed equipment like water tanks.
GPS Verified Installations:
These surveys also include geo-tagged photos and GPS coordinates, ensuring accurate documentation of each installation. The software requires geo-tagging for surveys to be finalized. By leveraging this mobile technology, Thirst Relief can track the progress of projects in real time, making sure that each household or school's water point is functioning as intended. water survey cloud-based platform provides us with immediate access to data from the field, allowing us to monitor the long-term effectiveness of our installations. Below is an example of a completed water survey that includes geotagged photos of a biosand filter installation in a Ugandan village.
Independent Surveys and Expert Photographic Analysis:
While technology plays an important role, nothing can replace the value of independent, third-party verification. Thirst Relief works with local experts and independent contractors who conduct field surveys to validate our data and ensure installations are up to standard. These surveys often include photographic analysis, which can be particularly useful for confirming the location and integrity of installations. Expert photo analysis can identify issues such as poor construction, improper siting, or damage that may not be immediately visible in basic reports.
Using a combination of aerial imagery, high-quality close-up photos, and detailed notes, these independent surveys help paint a comprehensive picture of our project's success and areas for improvement. This level of transparency ensures that stakeholders are fully informed about the quality and status of each installation.
Community Feedback and Testimonials:
In addition to surveys and expert analysis, community feedback plays a crucial role in evaluating the success of a project. Thirst Relief actively collects stories, interviews, and testimonials from the communities we serve. These firsthand accounts help provide context to the numbers and photos, offering insights into how our water systems have impacted daily life. We’ve seen countless examples of how access to clean water transforms communities—whether it’s a reduction in waterborne diseases, improvements in school attendance, or time saved in water collection.
A Heartwarming Encounter
How a Chance Meeting in California Strengthened Our Mission:
One of the most powerful moments for our Executive Director, David Bielby, came during a trip in California. A mutual friend insisted David meet with Fred Njuya, a Ugandan now living in the USA. Fred had previously received a biosand filter from Thirst Relief many years ago and had been using it to provide clean water for his family back in Uganda. Fred was fundraising for an orphanage in Uganda that he formed. In his self published book there were photos of biosand filters that were funded by Thirst Relief. When David saw the photos, he asked Fred where did he get them. Fred mentioned that he volunteered to deliver the filters as part of their ministry to help others.
At that point David exclaimed, “Those are the very filters we fund. And I remember this photograph and this project. We paid for those filters.” Fred responded that his life had been saved by them. He had chronic typhoid fever his entire life and that stopped when he got the biosand filter.
Fred shared his personal story, how the filter had not only improved his family’s health but also allowed him to help others in his circle of friends. The powerful, unplanned connection between our Executive Director and Fred illustrated just how far-reaching and impactful our projects are. Fred’s testimony was a reminder that our work is not only about infrastructure but about creating lasting change—change that reaches far beyond the communities we serve. In fact, Fred's own success with his Thirst Relief biosand filter became a powerful story that we’ve since used in outreach efforts, demonstrating how even one filter can have a ripple effect in a community. Fred's story is now part of our larger narrative, helping to inspire donors and advocates who may never have imagined the impact they are making from thousands of miles away.
In short, Thirst Relief makes it easy for a person living in the highly developed west to impact a person just like Fred, a person who will forever be changed with a sustainable gift like a biosand filter. Fred’s wife still uses their biosand filter every day. Fred is now earning a living in the USA to help support his family in Uganda while they manage a school for children who need support. Thirst Relief has upgraded that school to have biosand filters and a rainwater harvesting tank.
You can be confident that funds you entrust to Thirst Relief will change lives in villages with sustainable tools and approaches, while simultaneously providing sophisticated proof of work. This charity is the real deal, said one financial expert who has reviewed thousands of charities in his career.
Critical:
At Thirst Relief, we understand the importance of verifying that our work is truly making a difference. Ensuring that water points are installed correctly and are providing long-term benefits requires more than just good intentions—it requires solid proof. Through a combination of technologies, expert analysis, and on-the-ground verification, we are able to confidently assess the impact of our projects and ensure that every dollar donated is put to good use.
Partner with us in two ways: Give by clicking here: (Donate) or email us at info@thirstrelief.org and volunteer to help us with a fundraising event!
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