(CARDIFF, CALIFORNIA) – A South Sudanese village has gained access to clean drinking water following a seven year fundraising effort by pupils at Ada Harris Elementary School in Cardiff, California. The project was supported through Water for South Sudan, a non profit organisation that drills wells in remote communities.
From 2018 to 2025, fifth grade pupils at Ada Harris School carried out annual fundraising activities to reach their target. Each year, a new group of pupils continued the effort, selling items such as friendship bracelets and baked goods. In total, more than 400 pupils contributed to the project.
The money raised over the seven years was enough to finance the drilling of a well that now provides safe and reliable water to a village in South Sudan. Access to clean water remains one of the most pressing development challenges in the country, where many families are forced to travel long distances to collect water from unsafe sources.
The school did not disclose the total amount raised.
Ada Harris School Water Well Project
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of project | Village in South Sudan |
| Project duration | 2018 – 2025 (7 years) |
| Organiser | Ada Harris Elementary School, Cardiff, California |
| Supporting organisation | Water for South Sudan |
| Number of pupils involved | Around 400 (across 7 years) |
| Fundraising activities | Friendship bracelets, bake sales, small events |
| Project outcome | Construction of a water well |
| Beneficiaries | 300–500 villagers with access to safe drinking water |
| Wider impact | Improved health, reduced waterborne diseases, less time spent fetching water |