LearnWells strategically places wells near schools in northern Nigeria, which allows girls and boys to attend school while obtaining clean water for their families. Access to clean water poses a daily struggle in northern Nigeria, where 70% of families lack safe drinking water. Children under the age of five are 20 times more likely to succumb to illnesses associated with unsafe water.

In 2024, LearnWells became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and made its first public appearance at DMIEC’s Alternative Gift Market. Funds from the Market, along with some private donors, made possible the first well built in 2025. LearnWells is in the process of completing two wells in 2026. Next year’s goal is to fund three wells. LearnWells relies on local expertise to discover the best location, drill, and build the actual well, which also plays a role in building the local economy.

All First Sunday donations will go towards building wells near schools in northern Nigeria. The cost for each well is currently around $7,500. As soon as the funds are secured, timelines and locations will be determined.  For more information, visit https://www.learnwells.org.

Checks can be made payable either to “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line or to “LearnWells” with “DMIEC” in the memo line.  Checks should be mailed to: DMIEC, P.O. Box 12022, Des Moines, IA 50312.

To be included in the amount DMIEC sends to the organization First Sunday checks must be received by DMIEC by August 20th; if you elect to contribute to the First Sunday recipient after that date, please mail your check (made payable to LearnWells with “DMIEC” in the memo line) directly to LearnWells, 2815 100th Street, #243 Urbandale, IA 50322 and, if comfortable, let DMIEC’s Social Justice Committee Chair Kathy Eastman know the amount to assist in recording our community’s giving.