Our programmes: Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation

The Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation (MSMF) is committed to enhancing global access to clean and safe drinking water, with a mission to create sustainable water solutions and make a positive impact on communities around the world. MSMF supports Aqua for All's long-standing partnership with Dutch foundation Partners Pays Dogon (PPD) and its local implementing partner ADI in Mali. For more than a decade, PPD and ADI have worked together to improve access to safe drinking water in the Dogon region, a remote and water-scarce areas in the Sahel. Previously, MSMF has supported projects in Mozambique and Zambia.

Countries

Dogon Region, Mali

Duration & funding

Phase 1: 2019-2020: 2 village water systems - EUR 60,000
Phase 2: 2021-2023: 8 village water systems - EUR 165,000
Phase 3: 2024-2025: 3 village water systems - EUR 91,000
Phase 4: 2025-2026 (under implementation): 3 village water systems - EUR 97,500
Total MSMF contribution: €413,500

What we do

The Dogon region faces significant development challenges. Recurring droughts, limited economic opportunities, and insecurity have restricted access to essential services and hampered economic growth. In this context, reliable and sustainable water infrastructure is vital for improving health, livelihoods, and resilience.

With support from the Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation, Aqua for All has helped scale a phased programme to expand access to safe drinking water through solar-powered water supply systems.

The programme has been implemented in successive phases:

Phase 1 (2019-2020): Proof of concept through the construction of two solar-powered water towers.
Phase 2 (2021-2023): Expansion to eight additional solar water facilities.
Phase 3 (2024): Construction of three new solar-powered water facilities.
Phase 4 (2025): Approved expansion with three additional solar water facilities.

Projects are implemented by local partner ADI, which has extensive knowledge of the region and strong relationships with communities and local authorities. Despite the challenging operating environment, a community-based approach, local ownership, and strong stakeholder engagement have enabled continued implementation and impact.

Alongside infrastructure development, the programme includes community mobilisation, water demand assessments, stakeholder consultations, the establishment of water management committees, and hygiene awareness and training activities, with a strong focus on the participation of women.

Impact achieved

The programme has already delivered significant results:

Approximately 12,000 people reached through Phase 2.
Approximately 9,400 people reached through Phase 3.
13 solar-powered water facilities installed across the first three phases.
Water committees established to support sustainable management.
Local caretaker jobs created, with at least 75% held by women.
Increased access to safe drinking water, targeting 25 litres per person per day.

Through the approved fourth phase, the partnership is expected to transform the lives of an additional 10,000 people by providing sustainable access to safe drinking water in three more villages.

Let's build stronger water markets together

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