Ryan Gravenberch Champions Clean Water in Suriname
In a world where safe drinking water should be a basic right, millions still lack daily access. But some footballers are using their influence — and earnings — to change that. Ryan Gravenberch, the Liverpool FC midfielder and Dutch international, has teamed up with EARTH Concepts to help provide clean drinking water to a village deep in the Surinamese interior.
Giving Back Where It Matters Most
At a recent press conference titled Ryan Gravenberch Back to his Roots in Paramaribo, the young football star announced a €25,000 donation alongside EARTH Concepts. The funds will finance a sustainable water installation in Pinatjaimi, a remote village of about 65 people in the Cottica area of Marowijne district. While the village already has a groundwater well, this project will deliver a complete system powered, where possible, by solar energy — simple to use, easy to maintain, and life-changing for residents.
This is how Ryan Gravenberch explained his involvement:
For athletes, drinking water is part of everyday life. But clean drinking water isn’t a given for everyone. I feel connected to Suriname, and I think it’s important to give back — not with words, but with something practical that people really need.
A Bigger Mission
Through his role as an ambassador for clean water, Ryan Gravenberch wants to highlight the reality many communities face. Under the You Never Drink Alone campaign, EARTH Concepts — known for donating 100% of net profits from EARTH Water, Coffee, and Tea — works to deliver lasting solutions for clean water access. Since 2007, they have funded projects worldwide, partnering with local governments and global NGOs.
Working Together for Impact
This new water project in Pinatjaimi is being carried out with the help of Wereld Waternet, an organization that works with local partners to strengthen access to safe drinking water in Suriname. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when footballers, NGOs, and local communities come together with a clear goal: better daily life for those who need it most.
A Role Model Beyond the Pitch
Gravenberch is proving that life after football — and even during it — can mean more than trophies and transfers. His commitment to clean water shows that when athletes put their weight behind real-world change, the impact can ripple far beyond the pitch.
Ready for more?
Looking for another inspiring story of a footballer making a positive impact? Read here how Wout Weghorst is trying to change and innovate the educational system in The Netherlands.
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