Day 13 – Why Clean Water Helps Kids Dream Bigger

Today was Day 13 of my Happiness Run for Clean Water and Gender Equality. I ran 6km through Victoria Park with my dad biking beside me again (shoutout to him for being the best support crew!). What stood out to me today was running past my old junior high school. It made me think about all the dreams that were born in those classrooms, including mine.

Back then, I never had to worry about whether there would be clean water in the fountain or if the bathrooms would work. I could focus on learning, hanging out with friends, joining clubs, and thinking about my future. I was lucky to grow up in a place where those basic needs were always met.

But for many students in Tanzania, it’s a completely different story.

When clean water isn’t available, especially at school, kids don’t get the chance to dream the way we do. Instead, they’re focused on survival. Girls miss school to collect water and also because there’s no way to manage their periods safely. Students get sick from drinking dirty water, and their education is constantly interrupted.

When education is interrupted, so is the future.

Clean water isn’t just about health, it’s about hope. It gives children the chance to actually imagine a life beyond their current struggles. When students can stay in school consistently, they can start to build goals, talents, and confidence. They can dream of becoming teachers, engineers, artists, health professionals, or community leaders, and actually have the chance to get there.

The Nanofilter Water Centre I’m fundraising for will be located in a community with a school and or/orphanage and help make that possible. It’s not just a water filter. It’s a dream-builder:

• It will help kids stay in school, stay healthy, and stay hopeful.
• It will give girls a chance to chase the same futures boys in some countries receive by default.
• It will tell communities: You matter, and you deserve opportunity.

Thankyou, again, for reading and running alongside me as I continue on this journey. Every donation, every share, and every message of support helps bring us closer to turning clean water into real change, and real futures.