Carrying water to simulate the walk for water that is typical for people living in Burundi was an eye-opening exercise this past Friday, March 8, 2026, for Austin High School freshmen in the Academy of Global Studies.
Surrounded by storm clouds and buffeted by strong winds, students carried sloshing, heavy buckets of water one lap around the running track, 400 meters. This simulation gave each pair of students a tangible sense of the physical effort involved in this daily task and way to stand in solidarity with students and families in Burundi.
How Long Do Burundians Walk For Water?
In rural Burundi, people often walk an average of 4 miles every day just to collect water for cooking, cleaning, and hydration. Much of the water in rural locations where many people live is collected from streams or stagnant ponds shared with wildlife and livestock. Especially after a rain, these open groundwater sources are contaminated with bacteria and parasites, making them unsafe to drink.
That’s why the Gazelle Foundation exists: to build clean water systems that provide safe, accessible water. These spring-fed systems reduce the distance people must carry water from 4 miles to just 400 meters. The tap stands deliver water that is clean, safe, and freely available to all people, regardless of tribe or religion.
Water systems built by the Gazelle Foundation reduce the distance people must walk from 4 miles to 400 meters, providing safe, clean water and a brighter future.
Experiential Learning & Clean Water Philanthropy
Since its inception, the Walk For The Water program has been guided by Devon Steiner, a freshman biology teacher who has witnessed water scarcity firsthand in Africa. Each year, AGS freshmen learn about the global water crisis, water quality issues, and the Gazelle Foundation’s work in Burundi.
As part of the program, students participate in a walk simulation to carry water, giving them a real sense of the effort required to fetch clean water across long distances. They also fundraise toward materials that will help us build more water systems where they are most needed.
Their experience is further enriched by Gazelle Foundation co-founder Gilbert Tuhabonye, a Burundian-born Austin resident, philanthropist, running coach, and genocide survivor, who shared his personal experience growing up without safe water and how that led him to create the Gazelle Foundation.
The Walk Simulation: Every Meter Matters
Walking For The Water in Motion
The simulation began with teams of two filling 5-gallon water buckets from a hose near portable classrooms and transporting them to the track. Students were surprised about the strain on their backs plus the challenge of keeping their feet and clothes dry.
The first half of group took turns carrying the now 40-pound buckets around the track, while the second group started activities before swapping spaces.
Students carrying the water buckets started off excited and full of energy, but just a few meters in, they quickly realized how difficult it is. They gripped the handles with aching hands as the edges dug into their palms, and they saw firsthand how water is heavy, messy, and exhausting to carry if you are walking very far with it.
This experience gave them a real sense of the daily struggles faced by people in rural Burundi and deepened their understanding of why clean water systems are so essential.
Learning More About Burundi’s Culture
New This Year: The second half of the group learned to make ingata out of t-shirts and yarn. These soft rings are worn on top of heads to balance jugs of water that are carried long distances.
Students also played a handball game popular in Burundi and celebrated clean water with temporary tattoos. These activities made the experience fun and engaging while reinforcing the lessons of solidarity and global responsibility.
“I used my savings, they need it more than I do, and I have so much that they [people in Burundi] don’t. My message, is be grateful and help.”
WHAT THE WALK MEANS
After the simulation, students spoke with Gazelle Foundation co-founder Gilbert Tuhabonye and Executive Director Courtney Waldren about their fundraising efforts and what motivated them to take action. Gilbert was both moved and inspired by the students’ dedication and empathy — seeing young leaders take action to improve the lives of people in Burundi filled him with hope and admiration.
Courtney was equally excited to hear the students reflect on their experience, sharing what they learned and how the walk helped them understand the challenges of accessing clean water.
A WATER LESSON WITH LASTING IMPACT
This year, AGS students fundraised enough to provide 167 people with permanent access to clean water in Burundi. Since the partnership began in 2017, approximately 1,850 freshmen have participated, raising $57,266, which now provides 1,908 people in Burundi with daily access to clean water.
Austin High School is part of a transformative effort to build clean water systems in one of the world’s poorest countries. Every dollar raised through the program directly funds systems that reduce the distance people must walk from 4 miles to 400 meters, providing safe drinking water and a better future.
Women and children in Burundi are charged with the bulk of water fetching chores. Close access to clean water means more time to attend school.
Continue Exploring Burundi & Clean Water
Understanding where we work in Southwestern Burundi helps explain why clean water systems matter so much for rural communities.
Explore Rubanga School in Burundi before clean water arrived
See how the Nyarumanaga-Rubanga water system works
View the 7 steps to building a Gazelle Foundation water system
Inspired to Help?
Walk For The Water continues to gain momentum thanks to the dedication of teachers, students, and families. We thank Austin High School’s AGS community for changing lives through their compassion and action.
Learn more about our ongoing impact in Burundi and how you can help. We construct water systems year-round and post updates and photos as each system is completed.
Connect with our community and see other events you can get involved with to help transform more lives today.