Saving Lives, Building Peace

Water is an essential part of human life. In Africa, where water is often in limited supply, most settlements are based around rivers and lakes where water can be easily obtained for drinking, cooking, cleaning, transportation, and also recreation. Ground-water supplies continue to be increasingly unreliable due to changing weather patterns, increasing the importance of surface water supplies.

In developing countries water is also a great life taker, responsible for approximately 1 million drowning deaths a year. Over 96% of fatal drownings occur in developing countries, where rates of drowning are 6 times higher than developed countries.

The Nile Swimmers initiative is a unique and innovative program aimed at reducing rates of drowning on the River Nile and the surrounding area. We also promote sustainable peace by bringing together people from different backgrounds, often previously engaged in or affected by conflict.