Toefuata’iga (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) is 13 years old. Many people in Samoa either rely on rainwater or their neighbour’s piped water for their daily water needs. Climate change is causing an increase in natural disasters and longer dry periods with minimal rainwater. At times the water pipeline closes due to natural disasters or maintenance.

Before a water tank was installed at her school with the support of Caritas Australia, teachers would fetch water themselves in buckets from neighbouring homes, which took them away from teaching and planning lessons. On days with little or no water, students were sent home early, missing out on learning and playing with friends.

Access to water is about more than convenience. It is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and to helping students like Toefuata'iga fulfil her dreams.

To help inspire fundraising, create a Tapitas Water Wall with a picture of a tap at the top and water droplets cascading down. Students donate $5 for each droplet. They can write their name, and even add a prayer if they choose, before adding their droplet to the display wall.

If you have a large school, you might have a different ‘tap’ for each grade or house.

Don’t forget to share a photo of your water wall with us! Email: projectcompassion@caritas.org.au