Minnesota students step up as Washington retreats from the global water crisis

Yahoo

11-02-2025

At Matoska International in White Bear Lake, elementary students raised $9,400 through a Walk for Water, providing clean water access to 3,028 students in Uganda and Tanzania. Courtesy photo.
For decades, the United States has led global humanitarian efforts, ensuring that children worldwide have access to clean water, sanitation, and education.
Trump administration moves to freeze international development funds, recall USAID personnel, and dismantle U.S.-funded clean water programs, however, have left a leadership void.
But where Washington retreats, Minnesota's students are stepping up, proving that leadership doesn't belong only to policymakers — it belongs to all of us.
The federal government's decision to scale back global development aid has devastating consequences. Millions of people, especially children, now face an increased risk of waterborne disease, educational setbacks and economic hardship.
The numbers speak for themselves:
In 2023, USAID allocated $1.2 billion to water-related programs, including $665 million for disaster aid and $475 million for water, sanitation and hygiene programs. With funding now frozen, these life-saving initiatives are at risk.
The Water for the World Act of 2014 targeted high-need countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Without U.S. support, these regions face increased risks of cholera outbreaks, malnutrition and child mortality.
As the U.S. retreats, nations like China and Russia are stepping in, using foreign aid to expand their influence across Africa, South America and Asia.
For the children affected by these cuts, this isn't an abstract policy debate — it's a fight for survival. Without access to safe water, girls are forced to walk miles every day instead of attending school. Entire communities remain trapped in poverty and disease cycles.
While Washington debates, Minnesota students are taking action by partnering with H2O for Life.
Forestview Middle School in Baxter: Students raised $6,900, funding sanitation facilities for 715 students in Nicaragua.
Matoska International in White Bear Lake: Elementary students raised $9,400 through a Walk for Water, providing clean water access to 3,028 students in Uganda and Tanzania.
Statewide Impact: Collectively, Minnesota students raised over $45,000 last year, transforming lives in Africa, Latin America, and the Navajo Nation.
These students aren't just learning about the global water crisis in textbooks — they're actively solving it. Through service-learning projects, they're developing leadership skills, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.
Pulling back from global water aid is shortsighted and dangerous. Access to clean water is a matter of global stability, health, and economic security. Without it:
Communities become more vulnerable to conflict, fueling migration crises and security concerns.
Experts warn that abrupt changes to development programs can destabilize fragile regions, increasing the risk of extremism.
The U.S. loses moral and strategic leadership, ceding influence to nations that do not share our values.
And yet, amid this crisis, Minnesota students are proving that local action creates global change. Their leadership demonstrates that America's commitment and obligation to humanitarian aid doesn't rest just with Washington — it rests with all of us.
We have a choice: We can sit back and watch the global water crisis escalate, or we can follow our students' lead.
H2O for Life is calling on schools, businesses, and community members to join the movement:
Donate: Become part of The CREW and help fund clean water projects.
Enroll your school: Teachers can sign up for a free classroom presentation.
Spread the word: Share the mission on social media using #H2OforLife.
Minnesota students are proving that leadership isn't just about words — it's about action. As Washington steps back, they are stepping forward. And in doing so, they remind us all of a simple but powerful truth: Clean water is a human right. And it's up to us to make sure future generations have access.