“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean.

But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”

~ Mother Teresa

In partnership with Wine to Water East Africa, Grand Circle Foundation brought clean, sustainable water to the Njia Panda School and Changarawe Primary School in Karatu, Tanzania. Hear from Wine to Water, the drilling team, and the Foundation’s own Sandra Vaughan in the video above.

Dear Friend,

When I travel I am often reminded that things I take for granted can be so precious in other parts of the world. Clean water is one of those basic necessities that not only changes people’s lives, but quite literally can save them.

That is why in 2015, Grand Circle Foundation (GCF) launched our WASH initiative to ensure all schools and villages we support have access to an adequate supply of clean water and toilets that meet or exceed the local standards. We thought it made a lot of sense to take care of the most essential needs first.

To help us achieve our goals, we formed a strong and lasting partnership with the incredible team at Wine to Water, donating $1,473,723 since 2018. We share their goal to support life and dignity for all through the power of clean water, and through this partnership have impacted 482,640 lives so far. Having a trusted partner on the ground makes all the difference and ensures every dollar we donate goes directly to the project.

Beginning in September of 2025, something extraordinary happened at three of the six schools supported by GCF through Overseas Adventure Travel. In partnership with Wine to Water East Africa, GCF brought clean, sustainable water to the Karatu, Tanzania communities surrounding the Changarawe and Njia Panda Primary schools. Students and teachers will now have consistent access to water, rather than relying on the seasonal rains.

Dan Koster, Vice President of GCF, visited these schools in January 2026 and shared what it was like seeing the effects of this work firsthand. One of his most rewarding and joyful moments was being swept up in a water fight with the students of Changarawe—children who went from having no access to fresh water to playing in it for the first time.

These are just the first steps in setting these communities up for the future. Please take a moment to review some of our recently completed projects, funded by generous travelers like you.

Love and Peace,

Harriet Lewis
Chair, Grand Circle Foundation

 

Funds donated for borehole drilling and water systems:

Wine to Water East Africa $496,802

SafeWater filters: $34,799

Through the proposed Grand Circle Foundation Karatu School programs, Wine to Water will reach more than 3,563 students & teachers and 2,500 community members near each of the 5 schools with improved, reliable access to safe water.

This is also the next step in our goal of self-sustainability, as the schools can now maintain gardens to grow vegetables that will both supplement the students’ lunches and create an income stream for the schools.