In celebration of World Water Day on March 22, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions reaffirms its unwavering commitment to tackling the global water crisis through its ongoing partnership with charity: water. With an ambitious pledge of $50 million, Kalahari aims to bring clean, safe, and sustainable drinking water to one million people across Africa. To date, the company has donated nearly $7 million, funding over 620 water projects in nine countries and directly benefiting more than 167,000 individuals.
The Importance of World Water Day
World Water Day, established by the United Nations in 1993, is observed annually on March 22 to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of water resources. Each year, the day focuses on specific aspects of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, aiming to educate and inspire people worldwide to take action. The global water crisis remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting billions of people and limiting access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygiene.
This year’s World Water Day theme underscores the critical role of clean water in public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Access to clean water is not only a basic necessity but also a fundamental human right that significantly influences a community’s well-being.
Kalahari’s Commitment to Clean Water
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions recognizes that access to clean water is essential for healthy communities. Understanding the life-changing impact of clean water, Kalahari has set a bold mission in motion—providing access to safe drinking water to one million people in Africa through its collaboration with charity: water. The company’s commitment stems from the belief that safe and sustainable water sources can dramatically improve health, education, and economic opportunities.
Since the inception of its partnership with charity: water, Kalahari has made significant contributions to solving the water crisis. The funding provided has resulted in more than 620 water projects across nine African countries, reaching over 167,000 people. These projects have had profound effects on local communities, from improving public health by reducing waterborne diseases to increasing school attendance rates as children no longer have to spend hours collecting water. Additionally, access to clean water has empowered women and girls, allowing them to focus on education and income-generating activities rather than spending their days fetching water.
Transformational Impact on Communities
The impact of Kalahari’s clean water initiatives is multifaceted and far-reaching. In many communities, access to clean water is the difference between life and death. Before these initiatives, families had no choice but to rely on contaminated water sources, which led to the spread of deadly diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. With the installation of clean water wells, filtration systems, and sanitation projects, communities have seen remarkable health improvements, drastically reducing the prevalence of these illnesses.
Beyond health, education has also seen a positive transformation. In communities without reliable access to clean water, children—especially girls—often bear the responsibility of walking miles each day to collect water for their families. This arduous task prevents them from attending school regularly. With nearby access to safe water, children can now prioritize their education, leading to improved literacy rates and better future prospects.
Economically, clean water access fosters self-sufficiency and growth. When communities have a consistent supply of clean water, agriculture flourishes, businesses can operate more efficiently, and local economies thrive. Women, who traditionally bear the burden of water collection, are now able to engage in entrepreneurial ventures, thus contributing to their families’ financial stability and overall community development.
Engaging Guests and Communities
Kalahari’s dedication to clean water goes beyond financial contributions. The company actively engages its guests and local communities through various interactive initiatives designed to raise awareness and inspire action. These initiatives include:
- The Gallery Wall: A visual storytelling experience that showcases the impact of clean water projects and educates guests on the global water crisis.
- The Water Walk: An immersive activity allowing guests to experience the challenges millions face daily in fetching water, fostering a deeper understanding of the urgency of clean water access.
- Kalahari Pond Experiences: Educational sessions where guests can learn about water filtration and sustainability efforts while contributing to the cause.
These experiences are designed to leave a lasting impression on visitors, encouraging them to take an active role in solving the global water crisis. By making the issue tangible, Kalahari hopes to inspire more individuals to contribute to the cause, whether through direct donations or by spreading awareness.
Looking Ahead: A Continued Mission
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions remains steadfast in its mission to provide clean drinking water to one million people in Africa. The company continues to work closely with charity: water to identify the communities in greatest need and implement sustainable solutions. Each water project is carefully planned to ensure long-term viability, incorporating maintenance training and local community involvement to guarantee continued success.
By investing in clean water initiatives, Kalahari is not only addressing an urgent global issue but also paving the way for a more sustainable future. As the company moves forward with its $50 million pledge, its focus remains on creating lasting change that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.
Join the Movement
In honor of World Water Day, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions invites guests, partners, and the public to join in its mission to end the water crisis. There are multiple ways to get involved:
- Donate Directly: Contributions can be made to charity: water to help fund additional clean water projects.
- Participate in Kalahari’s On-Site Experiences: Guests can engage with interactive exhibits, learn more about the impact of clean water, and spread awareness among their networks.
- Advocate for Clean Water: Sharing information and educating others on the importance of clean water access can help drive global action.
Water is a fundamental resource that should be available to everyone. By working together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of millions. To learn more about Kalahari Resorts & Conventions’ contributions and how you can support the cause, visit the company’s website or donate directly to charity: water.
As we celebrate World Water Day, let us remember that access to clean water is not a privilege—it is a right. Through continued commitment and collective action, we can help build a future where every person has access to safe, clean drinking water.
