MAKING WATER KNOWLEDGE COMMON KNOWLEDGE
Guest Blog: Centre for Affordable Water & Sanitation Technology (CAWST)
New Local Laundry x CAWST collaboration supports global education about how to get safe water in homes, schools and clinics.
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Water is a fundamental human right and foundational for all aspects of life - health, economic prosperity, education, overall well-being and even day-to-day life - like laundering your Local Laundry gear. Yet, at this very moment, two billion people around the world don’t have access to it.
CAWST is a Canadian charity working to address the world’s water crisis, since 2001. Founded on the belief that everyone can learn and that simple, individual actions often drive powerful changes, CAWST works to make water knowledge common knowledge. So that the people can take their water needs into their own hands.
There are water sources we can’t drink from without getting sick. There are municipally provided water supplies no one can use without extra treatment (water is getting contaminated in the pipe before it reaches homes). There are children choosing between collecting water and getting an education. Women are losing hours of productive time collecting water from far away sources instead of getting to spend their time working, learning, volunteering or taking care of their family. People might be getting sick in a camp for those displaced by conflict. Or thousands may be going thirsty across a region devastated by climate change. Wherever the crisis, CAWST is dedicated to ending it.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, CAWST’s model is unique. Focusing on training and knowledge sharing (rather than implementing water projects and doing it on their behalf) has enabled this small organization to make incredible progress and reach millions of people. It houses the world’s largest online library of free open content water, sanitation and hygiene resources, and its team travels the world to offer in-person training too. In 2021 alone, its network reached 5 million people with better water, sanitation or hygiene and this year are on track to reach 10 million people. With the ultimate goal of reaching 100 million people by 2030.
But we can’t do it alone. We need you. People who care about solving the issues at the root of many of the greatest challenges we face in the world. People who know how important knowledge is and want to help train others on something as life saving as safe water. People who care about solving global problems at a local level.
So, how can you help change the world!? It is as easy as making a donation or grabbing a CAWST x Local Laundry crewneck. It’s about wearing your support on your sleeve and telling others about the great work. Join us today. Because, everyone deserves safe water.
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