The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set an ambitious 2030 vision to achieve universal access to “safely managed” water and sanitation. At DESK, we are committed to this global mandate, prioritizing the poorest and most vulnerable among us—the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. We acknowledge that access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right that serves as the foundation for health, education, and proper nutrition.
Access to clean and safe water is a right on its own. It is the fundamental foundation for other vital societal outcomes, including Health, Education, and proper nutrition. At DESK, we recognize that without universal access to “safely managed” water and sanitation, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community cannot fully achieve independence or equality.
In support of SDG 6—Ensure access to water and sanitation for all—DESK actively works to eliminate water stress in disadvantaged communities across the Republic of Kenya. Our primary intervention includes:
- Borehole Drilling & Infrastructure: We provide clean and safe water for both domestic and commercial use by drilling boreholes in water-stressed regions.
- Commercial Sustainability: By providing water for commercial use, we enable Deaf-led micro-enterprises to thrive in sectors like agribusiness and small-scale manufacturing.
- Building Inclusive Communities: Our WASH projects are designed to benefit both the Deaf and the hearing, fostering integrated communities where shared resources drive social cohesion and mutual support.
Impact on Health and Education
By bringing water closer to home, we reduce the time spent fetching water—a burden that disproportionately affects Deaf women and children. This directly leads to:
- Improved Enrollment: Higher school attendance for Deaf learners who no longer need to travel long distances for water.
- Dignified Hygiene: Better sanitation and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) for Deaf girls, linking directly to our SRHR pillar.
- Resilience: Strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable families against the climate challenges of 2026.