Pumping Water - Child’s Play

One Percent Global focuses on organizations that come up with solutions that are sustainable. What does that mean with regards to water and sanitation issues? Isn’t it enough to drill a well, set up a pump, build some latrines and be done with it? No - pumps break down, latrines get filled, and the problem with clean water and sanitation for the community is again a problem. Many so-called solutions are not sustainable. Communities around the world are stuck with unsustainable projects and the local people have to go back to the old way to secure water and deal with sanitation.

Water For People has set up a system for these projects that insures long-term success. Part of that long-term success is to involve the local community so they are invested in making the project work and continue to work over time. Another part of the long-term success is to know when to step away and let the residents have complete control of their water management. Here are some of the important elements of Water For People’s programs.

“Our model works because it’s focused on the long-term rather than the ribbon cutting.

 

It is a holistic view that encompasses and accounts for how the solutions will work long into the future:

 

· Select a community and create motivation to succeed.

· Support the community as it works toward self-sufficiency.

· Bring in other organizations from the community and help them grow.

· Bring in local government partners, and convince them that it’s in their best interest to play a positive and supportive role.

· Engage the local private sector to be a part of the solution.

· Strengthen all the players and create a synergistic environment with a vision of, and an active focus on, long-lasting water and sanitation systems. “

http://www.waterforpeople.org/unique/making-it-last.html

 

Pumping Water-Child’s Play:

After the water needs of the entire community are secured, Water For People does something that is just for the children. We are accustomed to playgrounds for our children where there are swings, slides and metal merry-go-rounds that the children push round. In African villages there are no playgrounds like that. In the communities lucky enough to have a school, there are no playgrounds and children are hungry for them, as all children have the need to play.

Water For People has come up with a compassionate and practical solution to the water needs of a school, as well as the need for play for children: a merry-go-round pushed by the children that pumps the water up to a holding tank, called Play Pumps. Play Pumps are installed only after the community has its water and sanitation needs met. They supply the school with water for drinking, hand washing and washing dishes. The holding tank for the water can be an income generator by using the sides of the tank for advertising. This is only one of the innovative ways that Water For People approaches a project.

http://www.waterforpeople.org/extras/playpumps/how-playpumps-works.html

Water For People's focus on sustainability is the most important reason why it is an organization that One Percent Global admires and encourages you to support!

http://www.waterforpeople.org/