The Greatest Need of Our Time WorldServe's Strategic Focus on Clean Water    In its nearly 25 years, WorldServe has funded and completed a variety of projects aimed at ending poverty and giving hope to people.  Dozens of medical, agricultural, and micro-finance projects carried out with partner organizations and churches resulted in impressive results.    But in recent years, WorldServe decided to focus on water solutions as the key to unlocking results in all other sectors of economic development.  John Bongiorno, President of WorldServe, recently recounted the story of WorldServe’s decision to focus on water.    “It’s about building global networks and meeting local needs – the motto of WorldServe.  In all our travels and the work we’ve done, so often we discovered that water was a major issue.  It’s life for people,” Bongiorno said.  “We saw there was a tremendous need, yet on a local basis, there was very little capacity in terms of infrastructure, equipment, or reliable support to provide water intervention.    “We did a feasibility study initially, which determined the need was unmet.  The result was that we had to build capacity within Africa to meet the need for water. We planned to acquire equipment and do first-class training in order to make an impact at the local level.    “We’re focused on water because it’s the greatest need of our time.  Unsafe water is the number one killer in the world.  Access to clean water is the basis of development.  Without water, people can’t grow food and they can’t live.    “That’s why we decided to find a business solution for a need that is ongoing and will continue to be a major problem for years to come.  The need remains vast.  Even recently, there have been reports of people fighting and killing each other over water in regions of northern Kenya.  The fact that people will kill for water demonstrates there is a serious need that is not being met.”   As WorldServe continues to build global networks in order to meet local needs, clean water will remain a central focus.  In addition to providing safe sources of water, WorldServe coordinates the training of local citizens in using water for agriculture, education, and public health.  These projects result in significant improvements to the overall quality of life.     Questions or comments?  Email info@worldserveintl.org