THE PROBLEM WE SOLVE
Water scarcity and lack of access to clean drinking water are critical global issues. Approximately 4 billion people face severe water scarcity, and around 703 million people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. In East Africa, many communities do not have access to clean and affordable tap water systems. This forces school children to walk long distances to fetch water for their families, leading to absenteeism and school dropouts. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund estimates that 3.6 million children in East Africa alone are at risk of dropping out of school, with 15 million already absent. The lack of clean and affordable tap water systems exacerbates this issue, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
OUR SOLUTIONS AND ITS BENEFITS
A WATER KIOSK
AT SCHOOL
A Water Kiosk at School is a school-based, student-managed business that sells clean tap water to community residents at an affordable price. This project involves working with a community school to set up onsite water kiosks with sustainable products, allowing students to transport tap water from school to their homes.
The initiative is both educational and profitable, teaching students business and entrepreneurial skills while generating much-needed income for schools. It provides practical education that bridges the gap between school and work, contributing to the further development of the community.
By providing the entire community with clean drinking water, students no longer have to leave class to travel long distances to collect water from remote wells or rivers. This reduces the risk of waterborne illnesses and ensures that students can focus on their education. These school-based water kiosks become the main source of clean water for all households. The multiple benefits associated with a water kiosk at a school for students and community members include:
Income
Opportunity
A microcredit project for schools with a sustainable business model, creating funds for WASH activities and allowing funds to be redeployed to additional schools in need
Improved Sanitation and health
Enhanced sanitation facilities around the school. Funds from the water kiosk are used to purchase soap and toilet paper. Jerrycan carrying carts reduce physical injury from lifting and carrying heavy loads of water.
Education and Capacity Development
Increased school attendance as children no longer need to be absent to secure water. Students gain work experience through managing the sales of the water kiosk, learning teamwork, commitment, leadership, and responsibility.
Socioeconomic Opportunity
Children can transport water directly from school to their homes, increasing safety as they no longer need to walk to remote and dangerous places to fetch water
Environmental Added Value
The water kiosk raises awareness about the environmental impact as with the close proximity to water, opportunities to increase agricultural activities are realized. Also, the impact on single-use plastic bottles for water is reduced as the kiosks encourage the use of reusable bottles as they’re sustainable refill stations. Environmentally friendly products developed in partnership with Join the Pipe include:
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Water Saving Tap Station
Provides clean drinking water while saving water with an auto-stop tap.
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Drip Taps for Hand Washing Facilities
Reduce water usage by 90%.
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Reusable water bottles
Made of BPA-free plastic for children to drink from.
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Jerry can Carry Carts
Reduce physical injury from carrying heavy loads of water.
OUR SOLUTIONS PROCESS
Water Kiosk at schools are funded by donations. These donations cover project setup and travel costs for youth volunteers from the USA to Africa, participating in the implementation phase.
PROJECT PHASES
PHASE 1
PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
SCHOOL SELECTION
Based on location, water source and community ownership.
APPLICATION AND
SITE VISIT
Schools submit applications and site visits verify eligibility
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Extensive consultations ensure community ownership and contributions.
PHASE 2
PROJECT FORMULATION, PLANNING AND FUNDRAISING
INTRODUCTION AND ONBOARDING
Volunteers apply, are screened, and onboarded
PROJECT PLANING
Volunteers receive training and develop SMART project plans
FUNDRAISING
Volunteers implement fundraising plans and prepare for travel.
ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN
Volunteers travel to Africa, and the host office supports their needs.
PHASE 3
TRAVEL AND WATER KIOSK SETUP
WATER CONNECTION
Pipes are laid to connect the school to a nearby water source.
LAUNCH EVENT
The kiosk is officially handed over to the school and community.
COMMUNITY MEETING
Stakeholders sign the funding agreement and announce project details.
ACCESSORIES
Drinking tap stations, water delivery carts, and hand wash stations are installed.
RETURN AND REPORTING
Volunteers complete reports and participate in host office events before returning home.
KIOSK CONSTRUCTION
A 3x3 meter building is constructed on school grounds.
BUSINESS TRAINING
Training for students, teachers, and the community on kiosk operations.
POST-TRIP MONITORING
Volunteers return after 6-12 months to document the project's impact.