By Mukalazi Thadius P.6 Opportunity.

In many villages, children have to walk long distances to fetch water. Sometimes, the only water they find is from rivers, ponds, or dirty wells. This water may look clean, but it can have germs, mud, and even animal poop in it.

Drinking dirty water is very dangerous, and here’s why.

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🤒 Dirty Water Makes Children Sick

When children drink or use dirty water, they can get very sick with diseases like:

• Cholera – makes you vomit and have watery diarrhea
• Typhoid – causes high fever and tummy pain
• Worms – live in your stomach and take your food
• Dysentery – causes painful, bloody diarrhea
  These diseases can make children miss school or even go to the hospital.

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💧 No Clean Water for Washing

Without clean water, it’s hard to wash hands, bathe, or clean clothes. This means:

• Children can smell bad and feel shy in class
• Girls may miss school during their periods
• Germs can spread quickly among friends and family

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🪣 Long Walks and Heavy Loads

Some children walk over 2 kilometers every morning to fetch water. They carry heavy jerrycans on their heads. This makes them:

• Come late to school
• Feel tired and sleepy in class
• Have neck or back pain

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📚 Missing School and Falling Behind

When children are sick or busy fetching water, they:

• Miss lessons
• Don’t do homework
• Get poor grades
  This can stop them from reaching their dreams.

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💙 What Can We Do?

To help children in villages:

• Always boil or treat water before drinking
• Keep water containers covered and clean
• Teach others about handwashing
• Share what we learn on this website!

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✨ A Better Future with Clean Water

Every child deserves clean water, good health, and time to learn. When we take care of water, we take care of each other.

Let’s be water heroes and help children everywhere live happy, healthy lives! 🌍💧

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