Transform a Community with Safe Water

May 2025 Update 

After my trip to Uganda and seeing the impact the newly-installed school water filters had on the children of Opiu Primary school, I feel compelled to continue supporting Ugandan students. Upon landing back on U.S. soil, I have a new appreciation for our sanitary systems and things I have taken for granted. I want to share this basic human right with those less fortunate and want to raise a total of $9,000 to build a toilet block for Opiu Primary School in Uganda.

When I visited Kaberamaido, Uganda with my brother Jay last year, I not only got to see the classroom water filters being installed but also got to see Surge's holistic work. Interacting with the students and experiencing their extreme lack of poverty with my brother helped me feel deeply connected to the cause. I've witnessed the depth of positive change that happens to so many when they have access to safe drinking water and a decent space to use the toilet. I want to continue to create positive change, which is why I am now raising $9,000 to build a school toilet block. I am reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues to seek support for this meaningful cause. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go a long way in making a difference in the lives of those in need.

Your support means a lot to me, and I am grateful for any help you can provide. I understand that not everyone may be in a position to contribute, so I please ask you to share this on social media to help show your support. If you have any questions or would like more information about Surge for Water, feel free to reach out. You can also visit their website as well Instagram (@surgeforwater) and YouTube channel.

School Toilet Block: 350+ Students will have Decent Toilets

In Uganda, around 29 million people lack access to proper sanitation, with the severity concentrated in the rural areas where Surge works. When students don't have a safe, functional space to use the toilet, they either have to wait in long lines or find a private space in the open fields. This leads to a risk of harassment for young girls, and in many cases once students leave the school compound in search of a toilet they do not come back for the day.

Surge builds safe and decent school toilets that result in improved attendance, enrolment, and performance, while drastically reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

Each toilet block has 5 stalls and is ventilated and drainable - ensuring that the toilet can be used by school children for years to come.

All toilet blocks are equipped with rainwater filled hand-washing stations.

The toilets are gender specific: The boys' toilet has a urinal while the girls' toilet is menstrual health friendly with a changing room and incinerator for pads.

A boys' toilet block in Uganda

A newly constructed toilet block that provides dignity!

Classroom Water Filters: 1,634 Students now have Safe Water

Last year, I raised $2,000 to provide classroom water filters to 1,634 students at Teete and Opiu Primary Schools in Uganda. These filters bring safe water directly to the classrooms, ensuring students have immediate acces to safe drinking water! This simple, cost-effective solution directly improves education, health and overall wellbeing.

Installing classroom water filters in UgandaCelebrating access to clean water!

A student at Teete Primary School uses the water filter

About Kaberamaido & Kalaki Districts

Kaberamaido and Kalaki Districts in Eastern Uganda, home to over 220,000 people is often self-described as a "forgotten" land. Heavily contaminated lake water and unprotected springs are the main drinking water sources. Additionally, in this district 80% live below the poverty line, 11% are orphans and vulnerable children, and 7% are living as HIV positive. While over 70% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods, hunger is pervasive.

About Surge's Work

Surge for Water invests in communities with safe water, sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health solutions to help end the cycle of poverty. The organization’s community-led, women-centered approach leads to improvements in health, education, income, and a chance for a better future.