Access to reliable clean water is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. In some parts of Africa, women and children spend hours (sometimes most of their day) collecting water. Imagine if you had to commit hours every day just to ensure you have water to drink, cook, or bathe. For many Tanzanians, this is their reality, and it takes away time and ability to pursue an education or childhood. Many times the water collected is unsanitary surface water that is not safe to drink, however it is the only option they have.

In college, I had the opportunity to travel to Iringa, Tanzania to design a water distribution system for a village of 3,000 people with a team of engineering students. The University of Minnesota offers a Global Seminar every year in which engineering students travel to Tanzania, Africa for a hands-on design challenge with real-world impact. Student teams travel to villages to evaluate community needs and infrastructure in order to design a potential water distribution system. These student proposals are then evaluated by St. Paul Partners, a non-profit organization with the ability to take approved projects to fruition. With the help of St. Paul Partners, many of these projects receive funding and are fully implemented, mine included. However, there are still many projects awaiting funding - villages, hospitals, and schools in need of clean water. For more information about the organization and the great work they do, check out their website: http://stpaulpartners.org.

Smiths Medical – together we can end the water crisis in Tanzania! Thank you for taking the time and consideration to support this organization so close to my heart. A special thanks to the Smiths Medical Charitable Giving Committee and our influential leaders for their support.

Sarah Thole, R&D (Go Team Brett!)

St Paul Partners

Fundraising Campaigns

Water for Schools - It's Well Worth It!

Smith's Medical Fundraiser - St. Paul Partners