Changing lives through the gift of clean water.
Over 1,100 projects in 12 years helping over 1 million people.
WATER TO THRIVE
Mission Statement: Water to Thrive is a faith-based non-profit dedicated to the mission of bringing clean, safe water to those who need it in rural Africa. We work with donors in the United States and implementing partners in Africa to bring lasting change.
Values: Stewardship. Transparency. Impact. Accountability. Integrity. Compassion
Wartburg College Water to Thrive is devoted to raising awareness and bringing safe, clean water to rural Africa. As a group of young passionate students, it is their goal to make a difference by sharing the real life struggles faced daily by thousands of people throughout Africa with their fellow peers. Wartburg College Water to Thrive strives to not only impact the lives of Africans in need of safe, clean water, but also the students who choose to join the exciting journey.
With plans to work with other campus organizations, do independent fundraisers, and seek out the generous Waverly community, Wartburg College Water to Thrive is excited to continue funding many more wells. We are excited about the future of the organization on Wartburg’s campus and know that students are eager to do their part in helping those who cannot help themselves.
Contact Us
Email: wtt@wartburg.edu
Facebook: Wartburg Water to Thrive
Twitter: WCWater2Thrive
Wartburg College Water to Thrive is an entirely student-led campus organization at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Ed Scharlau, a founding member of the original Water to Thrive organization and Wartburg alumnus, instilled the idea of a student organization at Wartburg after having much success in the 2011-2012 Wartburg Wells campaign headed by two Wartburg students. Over $30,000 was raised including the $10,000 Davis Peace Project grant, which the students were rightfully awarded. With such a great response from fellow students and the Waverly community, Scharlau and company believed that the future of Water to Thrive at Wartburg was bright.
In the fall of 2013 two students, Meghan Parman and Liz Shull learned about Water to Thrive and the desperate need for clean water in rural Africa. With the help of Scharlau and their on-campus advisor Gail Sexton, the two decided to take on the challenge of starting their very own student organization Wartburg College Water to Thrive.
Every spring, a group of Wartburg Water to Thrive members lead a large group of students from the local middle school on a “Walk For Water.” The students get to carry an empty water jug over one mile to the Cedar River, where they fill the jug and then walk back to school. Not only does this serve as an excellent fundraiser at the school, but it also raises awareness. By having to carry water long distances, these young students can truly understand and experience the breadth of the water crisis and the daily lives of people in rural Africa.
In May 2014 a group of students were sent to Tanzania to participate in topping off a new well. By working with other on-campus organizations, holding independent fundraisers, and seeking out support from the generous Waverly community, Wartburg College Water to Thrive can’t wait to fund the many wells to come.
“We are excited about the future of the organization on Wartburg’s campus and know that students are eager to do their part in helping those who do not have the resources to help themselves.” –Liz Shull V.P.
