UNICEF is the world’s farthest-reaching humanitarian organization for children. Across 190 countries and territories, and in the world’s toughest places, we work day in and day out to help children survive. We defend the right to a childhood so kids everywhere grow up safe, healthy, happy and able to reach their potential.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. Undaunted by war, disaster, disease or distance, UNICEF’s global team works tirelessly to provide children with healthcare and immunization, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, protection, education, emergency relief and more. We never give up.

As part of the United Nations family, UNICEF is uniquely positioned to ensure that children are on the global agenda. Our geographical reach – and our ability to work neutrally with governments, the private sector and civil society – generates results for children on a scale that would otherwise not be possible.

Since 1992, the annual UNICEF Water for Life Gala in Calgary has been supporting UNICEF’s global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs. These programs help realize the rights of children by delivering safe water and sanitation, and by improving the hygiene practices for some of the world’s hardest to reach children and their families.

Water is essential for children’s survival and development. Without safe water, children’s lives are at risk and they are unable to thrive in a healthy and hygienic environment. This is particularly important during the COVID-19 global pandemic as we know that hand hygiene is the life-saving front line of defense in the fight against the virus.

In 2019, over $1.15 million was raised at the UNICEF Water for Life Gala. This funding is helping UNICEF reach adolescent girls in Uganda with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in schools. Together, we are breaking barriers to girls' education, helping girls fulfill their potential and transforming communities.

UNICEF is laying the groundwork to improve WASH facilities for students in Uganda. Schools have been identified for support with construction of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and upgrading of boreholes to solar water pumping systems. The selection process was based on factors like the presence of a reliable water source, high student enrollment and the condition of existing latrines.

Support from the community is reaching 210,000 girls by equipping 40 schools with boreholes, water systems and safe, individual latrines for girls and boys, and disability-friendly latrines. In 550 schools, students and staff are being trained in menstrual hygiene management and student clubs are being established to foster gender-responsive approaches to health.