Schoolchildren in Zimbabwe use one of four new water pumps installed following donations made on the University's behalf to water charity Pump Aid

By drinking water on campus, staff and students are helping to bring safe drinking water to hundreds of schoolchildren in Africa. The University's contract with water supplier AquAid has sponsored the construction of four water pumps in the Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe.

AquAid, who supply all 54 of the University's water coolers, have donated money on behalf of the University to water charity Pump Aid.

The company donates a percentage of the money that the University spends on refills for its 21 bottled water coolers. It also makes lump sum donations when a number of mains-fed water coolers are installed - currently 33 at the University.

Every pump installed can supply more than 200 African school children with safe drinking water.

A number of Zimbabweans have written, and sent photographs, to the University to explain how the new pumps have affected their communities, making it easier to drink, bathe, cook and grow crops.

Dioleen Buzuzi said that the "pump is very easy to operate when we are using it".

Collen Hwenje passed on thanks for providing "a well-protected water [source] close to our school and community... rather than our well which was far away". Collen added: "Most of our surrounding neighbours are using that pump since some of their wells are dry."

The University has had a contract with AquAid for several years, but began to use the company as its sole provider of water coolers in 2009. It has 54 AquAid water coolers across campus, mainly located in offices. 

Read more information about AquAid and Pump Aid