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A woman with a sleeping baby strapped to her back rinses her hands beneath the spout of a water pump.
In Chankholombe Village, Malawi, Agnes collects clean water from a hand pump well.

Make a Water Pump With This Fun Activity for Kids

Cross Catholic Outreach’s ministry partners in developing countries provide safe water to thirsty families by installing wells in their communities. Because electricity is rare in remote areas, many of those wells use a simple hand pump technology to bring up the water. This also makes them easier to repair and maintain. Read on to learn how to involve kids in building a model water pump with a few simple materials, making this a fun craft for the whole family to enjoy!

Materials Needed

To get started, you will need:

  • An empty plastic water bottle. Using a clear bottle allows everyone to see the pump in action!
  • A balloon.
  • Straw. Bendable straws work best.
  • Glue or tape.
  • Water.
  • Scissors.
  • An empty cup or bowl.

Instructions

  1. Use scissors to cut a small hole near the top of the bottle. (Adult help is needed for this step!)
  2. Place the straw through the hole. Glue or tape the straw in place and try to cover any gaps around the hole to prevent air or water from escaping.
  3. Fill the bottle with water about three-fourths of the way.
  4. Place the bottle beside the empty cup or bowl. Position the straw to empty the water into the bowl.
  5. Inflate the balloon and hold it closed.
  6. While keeping the neck of the balloon pinched closed, wrap the opening of the balloon around the lid of the water bottle.
  7. Slowly release your fingers from the balloon, allowing air to escape into the bottle.
  8. Watch as water flows out of the bottle and into the empty container!
  9. Repeat as desired.
A balloon-powered water pump.
This homemade water pump will help you remember families around the world waiting for the gift of clean water.

How did it go?

Did you make your own water pump? We would love to see your pictures! Tag us @crosscatholic on Instagram or Facebook.

How to Provide Clean Water for Developing Countries

Cross Catholic Outreach and its ministry partners are working to provide access to clean water for families all over the world — but we need your help! As you celebrate the loving mercy of Christ this year, consider sharing his compassion by giving a gift to those in need. Browse our Catalog for giving opportunities that include providing access to clean water, building safe homes, supporting Catholic education, and meeting the most urgent needs of children and families. 

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Michele Sagarino

Michele Sagarino, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, has nearly three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Michele answered the call on her life to begin service for various charitable organizations, including Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Gateway Community Outreach and Food For The Poor. She joined Cross Catholic Outreach in 2004 and served as vice president for development for 15 years. Through the years, Michele has been an important leader in the organization. Her expertise and heart for service will continue to lead us forward with wisdom and integrity, allowing us and our donors to impact even more lives.

Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.