Press and Media.
‘Gratitude in Contrast” This picture was captured in December of 2023 at Touch Root Foundation solar-powered water well #2 in Obaji, Asa, Abia State. It shows a boy pushing his wheelbarrow with two jerry cans of water. The contrast in his outward appearance and the joy displayed on his face in inviting. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION TOUCH ROOT PHOTO
Why This Story Matters
For many rural communities, water determines whether children attend school, whether women spend hour every day walking long distances, whether health clinics can function effectively, and whether local economies have an opportunity to grow.
Touch Root Foundation demonstrates how relatively modest philanthropic investments can create long-lasting public infrastructure that serves thousands of people for years.
“It takes a village - Some of The Tribe members struck a pose before the 2026 Touch Root Foundation annual Gala Nite, Temple Texas.
The Founding Story
Touch Root Foundation began in December 2020 with a personal commitment that grew into a public mission.
Uche Ogwudu and her husband Ugo Ogwudu were moved by the difficulty rural communities faced in accessing reliable water. They initially set aside personal funds with the expectation that they would be enough to build a community well.
They soon learned that the geology was more difficult—and the solution substantially more expensive—than expected. Drilling required going more than 500 feet through rock. Rather than abandon the idea, they organized, raised support, and built a broader community around the project.
The first Touch Root water project produced water on Easter Sunday in 2021. That first experience became the blueprint for the Foundation: identify a basic need, work through the technical and local realities, mobilize a “village” of supporters, and stay engaged beyond the initial construction.
How TRF Operates
The Tribe
At the heart of Touch Root Foundation’s volunteer community is a dedicated core group affectionately known as The Tribe. They contribute their time, talents, networks, and energy to support fundraising events, community engagement, and the Foundation’s mission.
Their involvement reflects one of TRF’s guiding beliefs: meaningful change is rarely the work of one person—it takes a village.
Boots on the Ground
Touch Root Foundation’s Nigeria-based team oversees project implementation on the ground. Led by a Managing Trustee, the team coordinates every phase of project execution—from engaging community leaders and securing land agreements to working with government agencies, surveyors, hydrogeologists, engineers, and contractors.
The team supervises construction, monitors project quality, ensures compliance with local requirements, and maintains ongoing relationships with community stakeholders after each project is completed.
This local leadership is essential to ensuring that every project is technically sound, culturally respectful, responsibly executed, and sustainable for the communities it serves.
Donors at the first annual fundraising Water Walk experiencing the weight, the strain of a full jerry can of water just for a few minutes, while enjoying the beautiful Belton Bike and Trail Park.
How to help TRF
Touch Root Foundation welcomes individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations, and community partners who want to help expand access to clean, sustainable water in underserved rural communities.
Give, Connect & Share
Give a one-time gift, become a recurring donor, sponsor a clean-water initiative, or explore a corporate or business partnership.
Connect Touch Root Foundation to individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations, churches, civic organizations, professional associations, or other partners who may share our commitment to clean water. A meaningful introduction can open the door to long-term partnerships and wider impact.
Share TRF's work, following and amplifying the mission on social media. TRF welcomes speaking engagements and presentations that allow us to tell our story, raise awareness about the need for clean water, and engage new communities in the mission.
