UNICEF Tap Project

The UNICEF Tap Project is a nationwide campaign that provides clean water and adequate sanitation to children around the world.  With just $5, UNICEF can give one child safe drinking water for 200 days.  Since 1990, more than 2.1 billion people have gained access to clean drinking water thanks to the work of UNICEF and its partners.

Clean water is important for the obvious reasons of health and hygiene, but did you know that clean water also keeps children -- especially girls -- in school?  In Nepal, UNICEF found that school attendance for girls went up 30% for every hour the girl did not have to spend collecting water.

The Tap Project is running a rather unique initiative called the UNICEF Tap Project mobile initiative, in which sponsors fund one day of clean water for every 10 minutes you do not use your mobile phone.  How does it work?  Go to http://tap.unicefusa.org/ on your Smartphone.  You will be instructed to place your phone on a flat surface for 10 minutes.  If your phone remains unused for 10 minutes, the sponsors make a donation to the Tap Project.

Although it is not billed as a Lenten practice, wouldn't it be interesting during Lent to see how often you can go 10 minutes without using your Smartphone?

It is also possible to donate to the Tap Project without taking the mobile challenge.  Click here for more information.