Water for Life
IMPACT REPORT | 2025
Thank you!
As we look back on this past year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our water projects around the world. Your support continues to bring dignity, hope, and stability to communities who have long struggled to access safe, clean water.
Giving the gift of water is truly giving the gift of life. In 2025, your generosity reached families from Albania to Syria and across 14 other countries changing the daily reality of those living in the most challenging circumstances.
Alhamdulillah, because of you, 22 water projects were supported this year — some completed and others well underway — extending relief and renewed opportunity to 529,644 people. Every water well constructed, every system restored, and every project in progress reflects your compassion and commitment.
Your Sadaqah Jariyah continues to uplift and transform lives, ensuring long-term access to clean and safe water for years to come.
May Allah accept your efforts, reward your intentions, and grant you the ability to continue being a force for meaningful change.
Your brother,
Tufail Hussain CEO, Islamic Relief Canada
The Widespread Need
Water scarcity remains one of the most urgent global challenges of our time.
With 2.3 billion people living in water-stressed countries and 3.5 billion still living without safely managed sanitation - the need for clean, accessible water is growing rapidly.
Access to instant clean water is often taken for granted, making it difficult for us to imagine a world without it.
Yet, the reality is devastating. According to the World Health Organization, 1.4 million preventable deaths occur each year due to a lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
As water scarcity intensifies worldwide, the need for sustainable water solutions is critical. That’s why, at Islamic Relief Canada, we employ diverse approaches to fulfil the urgent need for safe water in communities around the world.
However, our work is far from over. Your support remains essential in helping us provide sustainable long-term solutions for clean water in entire communities for years to come.
1 Million+ Women and Babies die each year due to preventable complications during childbirth linked to a lack of clean water and sanitation
2 Billion+ People use a contaminated or unsafe drinking water source
1,000+ Children under the age of five lose their lives every day due to diseases caused by unsafe water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene practices
Our Approach
We deliver safe, sustainable water solutions through a comprehensive, community-led approach:
Safe Drinking Water
Providing clean and safe drinking water to the most vulnerable communities through pumps, trucking, tanks, and wells.
Distributing Hygiene Kits
Supplying our rights-holders with essential hygiene items to promote health and sanitation.
Building Inclusive and Accessible Sanitation Facilities
Constructing gender-sensitive and disabilityfriendly latrines and toilets that meet the needs of all community members, including women, children, and people with disabilities.
Hygiene Awareness and Practices
Empowering communities with essential hygiene knowledge to prevent disease and promote health.
Water Management Committees
Supporting and training local groups to effectively manage and maintain water sources, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of clean water for their communities.
Our Process to Rehabilitate Infrastructure:
1. Geophysical Survey:
Identifying the most suitable locations for wells through thorough surveys, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for years to come.
2. Purchasing Equipment and Materials:
Sourcing high-quality tools and materials required for construction, prioritizing durability, efficiency, and long-term impact.
3. Transport to Site:
Coordinating logistics to ensure materials are delivered safely and efficiently, minimizing delays and ensuring smooth project implementation.
4. Drilling and Rehabilitation:
Drilling new wells or rehabilitating existing ones to provide immediate access to clean, safe water.
5. Water Quality Analysis:
Testing water sources to ensure they meet health and safety standards, protecting communities from waterborne diseases.
6. Construction of External Structures:
Installing key components such as hand pumps, solar systems, and water storage tanks to enhance accessibility and daily water use.
7. Hygiene and Sanitation Awareness Training:
Providing community-wide training to encourage safe hygiene practices and reduce the spread of disease.
8. Community Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Committees:
Forming and training local WASH committees to oversee maintenance, address issues promptly, and ensure long-term project sustainability.
An Equitable Approach
We prioritize the world’s most vulnerable through an equitable, community-centered approach. Rights-holders are selected based on vulnerability and need, in close collaboration with local communities, to ensure support reaches those who need it most and aligns with their specific circumstances.
Your Donation in Action
At Islamic Relief Canada, our water projects address several cross-cutting issues at the same time, providing long-term sustainable and community-oriented solutions: installing irrigation systems, building water tanks, training communities, and protecting their health and livelihoods.
This ensures both an amplified impact and sustainable change
2,043 Water
& Sources *Water systems and sources include hand
529,644
2025 Water for Life Projects
Boreholes & Bore Wells
A borehole is a narrow, deep hole drilled into the ground to access underground water, providing a reliable source of clean water for communities. Similarly, a bore well is a deeper and wider version of a borehole often used to find water when it's buried deeper in the ground.
Kenya
Integrated WASH, Livelihood, and Education Support
In Kilifi and Mandera Counties, families are gaining access to clean water through rehabilitated boreholes, water dams, and essential hygiene resources. With access to drought-tolerant seeds, livestock support, and improved school infrastructure, communities can build a brighter, more resilient future for themselves.
20,000 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
South Africa
Education Cannot Wait: Rehabilitation of Thandokwethu Primary School
In Durban, Dududu, South Africa, water access at local schools was improved by upgrading facilities and addressing shortages with local groups. Our work provided students with reliable, clean water and improved their learning environment for years to come.
6,500 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
South Sudan
Promoting Gender Equality and Resilient Livelihoods
In Kapoeta East and North Counties, we brought clean water, healthcare, and farming assistance to families affected by drought and conflict. By fixing water sources, providing agriculture and medical support, and raising awareness about safety and well-being, we helped thousands of people build healthier, stronger communities.
6,500 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
Nepal
Deep Bore Hand Pumps
In the Chandrapur and Rajpur Municipalities of Rautahat District in Nepal, deep bore hand pumps were installed to improve access to safe and reliable water sources. These new water points replaced unsafe alternatives, providing clean and accessible water for vulnerable community members and supporting improved health and well-being.
6,000 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
“Before the project, I struggled to provide enough food for my family, we only had one proper meal in a day especially when my husband leaves me alone with the kids...
After learning about sustainable farming techniques and planting drought-resistant crops that was given by Islamic Relief I was able to cultivate a thriving vegetable garden have also been able to train other women on how to grow vegetables. I want everyone out there to be able to put for on the table for their kids.”
Nasike | Kapoeta East County, South Sudan
Deep Set Pumps
Deep-set pumps are a vital part of our water projects. They are designed to reach underground water sources deep below the surface. Installing these pumps ensures communities in need have access to clean and safe water. Deep-set pumps are durable and efficient, providing a reliable water source for daily use, reducing health risks, and supporting overall community well-being.
Bangladesh
Humanitarian Support to Flash Flood Affected Communities in Sunamganj District
In the Sunamganj District of Bangladesh, deep set pumps were installed to provide safe and reliable water access for floodaffected communities. These water points now serve households that previously relied on unsafe sources, improving access to clean drinking water for families and supporting better health and daily well-being across the community.
2,193 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
“Now,
we have clean water at our doorstep. It is safer, easier to collect, and healthier...We are truly grateful to everyone involved.
You did not just give us water, you gave us peace of mind.”
Sumaiya | Haluarghat, Bangladesh
Hand Pump Wells
Hand pump wells are a key part of our water projects, providing communities with a reliable and accessible source of clean water. These wells are easy to use and maintain, ensuring that families have consistent access to safe water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes. By installing hand pump wells, we improve overall health, reduce waterborne diseases, and empower communities to thrive.
Nepal
Strengthening Community Resilience
In Nepal, this project provided handpumps and household toilets – ensuring families have access to clean water and accessible sanitation facilities. This project also enhanced food security through improved irrigation. Our training programs empower locals with essential hygiene and disaster preparedness skills, creating healthier and more resilient communities.
3,436 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
"Now, we have a new hand pump near my place, and we are very happy to have access to pure water. The water we get from the pump is so pure and clean, as the pump's depth is around 235 feet. This hand pump is being shared by five households in my community."
Salamun | Nepal
Pakistan
Responsive Action for Building Lives
In flood-affected regions of Pakistan, water supply schemes and hand pumps were implemented as part of the 2023 flood recovery efforts. These interventions improved access to safe and reliable water sources for vulnerable communities, helping replace unsafe alternatives and support improved health, dignity, and long-term resilience.
480 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
Pakistan
Transforming Lives Through Clean Water
In Balochistan, our project is transforming lives by providing clean water and promoting hygiene practices. Families now have access to safe drinking water through newly installed hand pumps, while training and community-led initiatives ensure sustainable water management for the future.
130,976 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
Solar-Powered Systems
Solar-powered water systems are transforming access to clean water by harnessing the sun’s energy to operate pumps and filtration units. These eco-friendly systems provide a reliable and sustainable water source, even in remote areas. By integrating solar technology, we ensure communities have consistent access to clean water while reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and supporting long-term environmental sustainability.
Mali
Improving Social Empowerment and Protection for Marginalized People
This project focuses on empowering marginalized communities in Mali by improving access to essential services and sustainable livelihoods. By providing clean water, better sanitation, and enhanced health facilities, we address critical needs and help foster social and economic growth.
10,600 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
“Our water suffering has been alleviated with the construction of a multi-purpose water tower that serves not only for family consumption but also for watering animals and watering the market garden... This action was a great relief for the whole community in general and especially for the girls and women who have the heavy task of fetching water.
I can only thank Islamic Relief and the donors that alleviate our suffering and promote the empowerment of the women and girls of the village. May the Almighty accompany you and strengthen your plans.”
Salimata | Douentza, Mali
Mali & Niger
Integrated Multi-sectoral Programmes for Alleviating Poverty and Creation of Livelihoods to Transforming Lives
In Mali and Niger, solar-powered water systems and irrigation infrastructure will be constructed to help communities access clean and reliable water for their families, livestock, and livelihoods. By replacing unsafe and distant water sources, these systems will ease daily burdens, improve health, and support farmers in growing food more sustainably, helping families build resilience in the face of climate challenges.
30,973 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
Niger
Harnessing Opportunities for Poverty Eradication in Ultra-poor Households in Niamey Region
In the Niamey Region of Niger, this project is improving water access through the installation of solar-powered water points and dedicated water, sanitation and hygiene committees. It ensures vulnerable communities have reliable, clean water sources that boost their health and economic prospects.
2,000 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
Water Kiosks
Water kiosks revolutionize community access to clean water. They provide a convenient and centralized location for residents to collect safe drinking water. These kiosks offer a user-friendly solution that ensures equitable access for everyone, especially in underserved areas. By setting up water kiosks, we’re improving water distribution, enhancing public health, and making clean water accessible for all.
Somalia
Health, Education, Agricultural Livelihood and Protection
Water kiosks in Somalia address the root causes of poverty and inequality by enhancing access to health, education, and food security while building resilience to economic shocks. We aim to uplift communities through comprehensive initiatives by providing long-term solutions and empowering local stakeholders.
73,000 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
“Islamic Relief was the first organization to assist me with farm training, seeds, drop irrigation pipelines, tanks, and greenhouses. This was quite beneficial to my farm, and I am now able to grow more vegetables as a result of the assistance. I am very happy because I manage my own and my family's daily food.”
Abukar | Balcad, Somalia
Tube Wells
Tube wells are a crucial element of our water projects. By tapping into underground aquifers, they offer a dependable source of clean water. These wells provide communities with a steady water supply for drinking, irrigation, and daily use, even in areas with limited surface water. By installing tube wells, we’re enhancing water accessibility, improving health outcomes, and supporting agricultural productivity for sustainable community growth.
Bangladesh
Integrated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene & Shelter Assistance
In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, integrated water and sanitation support improved access to clean water and safer hygiene facilities for Rohingya refugees and host communities. These interventions reduced daily hardships, supported healthier living conditions, and helped families meet their basic needs with dignity
17,850 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
Safe Water and Hygiene Awareness for Marginalized Communities
In Bangladesh, our project is providing safe and reliable water to both host communities and displaced families from Myanmar living in camps. By constructing, rehabilitating, and maintaining deep tube wells and water networks, we are replacing unsafe or limited water sources with clean, accessible water. This essential support improves health, hygiene, and daily life for thousands of individuals, empowering communities to thrive with dignity.
125,380 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
Water Points, Tanks, & Wells
Water points, tanks, and wells are foundational to our water projects, offering communities essential access to clean water. Water points provide convenient locations for collecting safe water, tanks ensure a reliable supply and storage, and wells tap into underground sources to meet daily needs. Together, these solutions enhance water availability, improve health, and support sustainable living by delivering clean water where it’s needed most.
Nepal WASH Recovery
In rural Nepal, our project is improving access to safe drinking water by constructing and rehabilitating small gravity-fed water systems and water points. This ensures families, children, and communities have reliable water to support health, hygiene, and daily life.
9,000 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
Albania
Inclusive
Health and WASH Initiative in Albania
Our project in Albania constructs water wells to provide continuous access to clean water, alleviating water scarcity and improving community health. This initiative transforms lives by ensuring reliable water sources for vulnerable populations.
56 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
Philippines
Individuals are Protected from Threats and Environmental Risks through Shelter and WASH
In the Philippines, our project is increasing access to clean water and improving hygiene for communities and schools. By constructing 100 community water points and building or renovating WASH facilities in three schools, we are providing households and children with reliable, safe water. These efforts support better health, sanitation, and daily life for thousands of individuals.
4,100 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
Sudan
Increasing Access to Education, Health, Food Security, and Livelihood
In Sudan, water tanks are installed in schools to ensure access to reliable drinking water and to enhance sanitation. Our project also provided women in the community with irrigation farming support, allowing them to grow and sell vegetables in local markets and earn more income. This initiative supports the health and well-being of local communities, with a particular focus on women and children.
3,600 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
“After the female farmer irrigation group was formed, we grew vegetables that were marketed in the village and also in the city of Damazine, which increased my income. There are [now] 3 hand pumps and a water yard, and there is also a basic school in which Islamic Relief built classrooms, which helped stabilize education in the village.
My hope is that this type of projects should be expanded...because I know the huge change in my income now. I would also like all village women to benefit from such projects.”
Hawa | Blue Nile State, Sudan
Syria
Integrated Health, Water, Sanitation, and Education Support for Communities in Northwest Syria
In Syria, our project is improving access to safe water for internally displaced families and host communities by rehabilitating water networks in Azaz (Aleppo governorate) and Idlib City (Idlib governorate) and constructing a community well in Dana subdistrict (Idlib governorate). These critical interventions provide free, clean water to tens of thousands of people, including schools, reducing reliance on unsafe private water sources and supporting better health, hygiene, and daily life for families in need.
48,470 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
WASH Facilities & Water Supply Systems
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and water supply systems include taps, pipelines, and storage tanks that bring clean water to homes, schools, and healthcare centres. These systems not only provide safe drinking water but also improve hygiene and sanitation, helping to prevent waterborne diseases and promote healthier communities.
Pakistan
Rajanpur Integrated Development Enterprise
In Pakistan, our project is expanding access to clean water and improving hygiene in communities through the establishment of water schemes and filtration plants, as well as the rehabilitation of WASH facilities in schools and health centers. These interventions directly benefit thousands of individuals, ensuring households and community members have safe water for drinking, daily use, and improved sanitation practices.
20,080 Rights-holders Reached Upon Project Completion
"The project's impact goes beyond just our health; it also improved our overall quality of life. We're more confident about our future, and our children have a better chance of getting an education and building a brighter future.”
Naseem | Sandila Village, Pakistan
Philippines
Enhancing Livelihoods and Climate Resilience in Ligawasan Marsh, Mindanao
In the Philippines, our project is improving hygiene and access to clean water for students by constructing and rehabilitating water systems, handwashing stations, and latrines across eight schools. These improvements ensure that students have reliable water and proper sanitation facilities, supporting better health, hygiene practices, and a safer learning environment for thousands of children.
3,650 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
Syria
Learn and Ride for Education Empowerment in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, our project is improving hygiene and access to clean water for students by renovating latrines and establishing or upgrading drinking water collection points in schools. These renovations ensure that students have safe, reliable water and sanitation facilities, supporting better health, hygiene practices, and a healthier learning environment for 4,800 children.
4,800 Rights-holders
Reached Upon Project Completion
Impact Stories
Women & Water: Restoring Dignity Through Access
Kadi Boureima | Niger
Kadi Boureima is a 30-year-old mother of two from the village of Tondi Banda in Niger. Living with a physical disability, Kadi faces daily challenges. Her situation was worsened by limited access to basic services, including access to safe water, and exclusion from community spaces and decision-making.
“For many years, I stayed on the sidelines and was not involved in community life,” she shares.
Through the support of Islamic Relief donors, the IMPACT project was introduced in Kadi’s community. It brought inclusive, multi-sectoral support that placed dignity and equity at its centre. One of our project’s key interventions was addressing access to safe water through the construction of a community borehole to ease the daily burden placed on women and vulnerable households.
“Having water closer to our homes has relieved a great hardship, especially for women,” Kadi explains.
In addition to improving water access, our project prioritized inclusivity. A community protection committee was established to represent all social groups, including persons with disabilities. For the first time, Kadi was selected to serve as a representative. This transformed how she saw herself, giving her a sense of belonging, purpose, and recognition in a community that had long overlooked her.
“This recognition marked a turning point in my life,” she says.
Through donor-funded training on protection, social inclusion, and the prevention of gender-based violence, Kadi gained the skills and confidence to advocate for women, children, and people with disabilities. She was also selected to participate in income-generating activities such as completing business and entrepreneurship training that will help her support her family with dignity.
“I am deeply grateful to Islamic Relief and the donors who believed in us. Through this support, I have found my voice and my place in my community. May Allah reward them and strengthen their intentions.”
Water & Education: Giving Children a Healthier Start
Mutin S. Kutin | Philippines
For years, the students at Darampua Elementary School in Maguindanao, Philippines, faced a challenge no child should ever have to endure: the absence of safe water and proper sanitation facilities.
The school’s principal, Mutin S. Kutin, witnessed firsthand how the absence of clean water affected students’ health, dignity, and ability to learn.
“Our children had no access to safe drinking water,” he explains. “Many were forced to buy bottled water or go without, and toilets could rarely be used.”
The consequences were severe for both students and the wider community. Limited access to clean water led to increased illness, frequent absenteeism, and unsafe learning conditions, placing an added strain on families already facing significant hardship.
Through the generosity of Islamic Relief donors, the LMARSH project was launched to address these urgent needs. The project focuses on improving access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities, while promoting hygiene awareness to support the community’s longterm health.
“This project responded directly to our greatest need,” Mr. Kutin shares.
With the installation of a new water source, along with proper toilets and handwashing stations, students will no longer be forced to purchase drinking water or avoid using sanitation facilities. These improvements will safeguard their health, enhance their safety and wellbeing, and support stronger educational outcomes.
Beyond infrastructure, the project engaged the students in water conservation and hygiene awareness activities to help nurture a generation that understands the value of water as an amanah (trust).
“As an educator, I am truly grateful to Islamic Relief and the donors who made this possible,” Mr. Kutin says. “Their support has given our children a better chance at a healthy and hopeful future.”
Community Impact
Crowdfunding Campaigns
We called on our community of changemakers to make a difference, and you answered with compassion and commitment!
From thoughtfully designed crowdfunding pages to messages shared far and wide, you united those around you for a shared purpose: helping communities access safe water and sanitation.
Because of you, 2025 was one of our strongest years of community-led fundraising!
Through 82 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) crowdfunding campaigns, you transformed communities around the world by helping us build water and sanitation systems designed to meet each community’s unique needs, deliver hygiene kits, and run awareness sessions.
We were especially inspired by the leadership and drive shown by our youth and students, whose efforts raised lifechanging donations: McMaster Islamic Relief, Islamic Relief University of Ottawa, Islamic Relief TMU, Islamic Relief at U of G, and Spirit of Math Schools Vaughan and Markham East, helped us rehabilitate and build 6 wells and 1 water network in total!
82 Total Campaigns $127,800+ Raised
Water Wells An Act of Sadaqah Jariyah
Water projects are a true example of how one act of charity keeps multiplying, bringing infinite benefits and rewards. Not only do they provide water for years but also include beneficial knowledge for generations to come, teaching communities to access water and keep themselves and their children healthy.
The best charity for our loved ones and those who have passed is the gift of continuous charity, Sadaqah Jariyah. We thank you for trusting us with this precious gift and allowing us the means to support the most vulnerable people through your charity to build wells on behalf of loved ones.
Thank You!
Thank you for your support! Your donation is so often the gift of life itself, and we take special care to reach those who are most at risk.
We’ve seen with our own eyes how their lives have been uplifted and transformed by what you give.
We could not have done it without you!
“Whoever relieves the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve their hardship on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever helps ease one in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for them in this world and in the Hereafter..."
– Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
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Burlington, ON L7M 1A9 www.islamicrelief.ca 1-855-377-4673 (HOPE)
Registered Charity No. 821896875RR0001