Embajadores del Agua

Problem Statement:

La Guajira, Colombia, faces a severe water crisis that profoundly impacts its indigenous communities. Over 352,000 people lack access to safe drinking water, with 80% of diseases in the region being waterborne. This scarcity not only leads to high child mortality rates and widespread health issues but also hinders educational opportunities and economic stability. Students, particularly those in remote rural areas, must travel several kilometers daily, often sacrificing their education to collect water for their families. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of hygiene education and sustainable infrastructure, leaving these communities vulnerable and underserved.

Target Group:

Our primary target group consists of the indigenous and rural communities of La Guajira, Colombia. Specifically, we aim to support:

1. 
   

   Students and Educational Institutions: Approximately 1,800 students attending a rural school, many of whom travel several kilometers daily. By providing clean water and hygiene education, we aim to enhance their health, school attendance, and academic performance.

   
   


2. 
   

   Local Families: The families of these students, who often lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Our project will extend its benefits to the surrounding community, improving overall health and economic stability.

   
   


3. 
   

   Community Leaders and Educators: By involving local leaders and educators in our project, we aim to empower them with the knowledge and tools necessary to sustain and promote clean water practices and hygiene education within their communities.

   
   


4. 
   

   Indigenous Populations: Indigenous groups in La Guajira, who are particularly vulnerable to water scarcity and its associated health impacts. Our project will prioritize their unique needs and cultural contexts in delivering sustainable water solutions.

   
   

Proposed Solution:

Our project, "Water Ambassadors: Path to Health and Equity," addresses the critical issue of water scarcity in La Guajira, Colombia, through a comprehensive and sustainable approach. The proposed solution includes:

1. 
   

   Installation of Advanced Water Filtration Systems:

   
   
   • We will install community water filtration systems that utilize advanced membrane technology. These systems are capable of removing 99.99999% of harmful bacteria, transforming murky water into crystal-clear, drinkable water. Each system comprises four filters and a 450-liter storage tank, ensuring a reliable supply of clean water for the school and surrounding communities.
   
   


2. 
   

   Hygiene Education Programs:

   
   
   • Alongside the installation of filtration systems, we will implement extensive hygiene education programs. These programs will educate students, their families, and community members on the importance of clean water, proper hygiene practices, and the maintenance of filtration systems to ensure long-term benefits.
   
   


3. 
   

   Community Empowerment and Capacity Building:

   
   
   • By involving community leaders, educators, and local organizations, we aim to empower these stakeholders with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain and manage the water filtration systems independently. This includes training in system operation, troubleshooting, and basic repairs, fostering self-reliance and resilience.
   
   


4. 
   

   Integration with Educational Institutions:

   
   
   • The water filtration systems will be installed at a rural school, turning it into a central hub for the community. This strategic placement will enhance the school's role as a trusted resource, encouraging greater community engagement in educational activities and programs.
   
   


5. 
   

   Sustainability and Long-term Impact:

   
   
   • Our solution is designed to be sustainable and durable, with filtration systems that are easy to use, maintain, and have a lifespan of up to 10 years. By promoting community ownership and responsibility, we ensure that the benefits of clean water are sustained long into the future, improving health outcomes and fostering economic stability.
   
   

Hub Activities

The Riohacha Hub is at the forefront of driving positive change in La Guajira through a variety of impactful activities. Our hub focuses on addressing critical issues such as water scarcity, education, and community development. Key activities include:

1. 
   

   Clean Water Initiatives:

   
   
   • We implement advanced water filtration systems in schools and communities, ensuring access to safe drinking water. These systems are coupled with comprehensive hygiene education programs to promote health and prevent waterborne diseases.
   
   


2. 
   

   Educational Programs:

   
   
   • Our hub collaborates with local schools to enhance educational opportunities. We provide resources, training, and support to improve attendance, academic performance, and overall student well-being.
   
   


3. 
   

   Community Engagement:

   
   
   • We work closely with community leaders and members to build trust and foster active participation in our projects. This engagement is crucial for the sustainability and success of our initiatives.
   
   


4. 
   

   Empowerment and Capacity Building:

   
   
   • Through workshops and training sessions, we empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to maintain and manage the water filtration systems. This approach ensures long-term benefits and promotes self-reliance.
   
   


5. 
   

   Sustainable Development:

   
   
   • Our activities are designed with sustainability in mind. We aim to create lasting impact by addressing the root causes of issues and promoting solutions that are durable and community-driven.
   
   

Short-term Goals/Results

• 
  

  Immediate Access to Clean Water:

  
  
  • Provide immediate access to safe drinking water for over 1,800 students and their families through the installation of four advanced filtration systems with a 450-liter storage capacity.
  
  


• 
  

  Reduction in Waterborne Diseases:

  
  
  • Reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases by 30% within the first six months by delivering clean water and comprehensive hygiene education to the community.
  
  


• 
  

  Improved School Attendance:

  
  
  • Increase school attendance by 20% by minimizing health-related absences through the provision of clean water, allowing more consistent participation in educational activities.
  
  


• 
  

  Community Engagement and Participation:

  
  
  • Conduct at least three community workshops on water hygiene and system maintenance, engaging over 200 community members to foster a sense of ownership and active participation.
  
  


• 
  

  Capacity Building:

  
  
  • Train 50 community members in the operation and maintenance of the water filtration systems, equipping them with the skills necessary to ensure the sustainability of the project.
  
  


• 
  

  Awareness and Education:

  
  
  • Implement a hygiene education campaign reaching 80% of the students and community members within the first three months, promoting best practices in water usage and sanitation.
  
  


• 
  

  Monitoring and Evaluation:

  
  
  • Establish a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to track the health, educational, and social impacts of the project, with quarterly assessments to ensure goals are being met and to guide any necessary adjustments.
  
  

Available Metrics

• Number of students and community members with access to safe drinking water.


• Volume of clean water produced daily by the filtration systems.


• Reduction in reported cases of waterborne diseases.


• Decrease in child mortality rates linked to water-related illnesses.


• Increase in school attendance rates.


• Reduction in health-related absenteeism among students.


• Number of community workshops conducted.


• Attendance and participation rates in educational workshops and training sessions.


• Number of community members trained in the operation and maintenance of the water filtration systems.


• Satisfaction levels and feedback from trainees regarding the training sessions.


• Percentage of students and community members reached through hygiene education campaigns.


• Behavioral changes observed in water usage and sanitation practices.


• Efficiency and effectiveness of the filtration systems (e.g., removal rates of harmful bacteria and contaminants).


• Frequency and success rate of maintenance activities.


• Results from quarterly health, educational, and social impact assessments.


• Feedback from community members and stakeholders on the project's progress and impact.


• Longevity and reliability of the filtration systems in continuous operation.


• Community’s ability to manage and sustain the systems without external support.


• Reduction in time spent on water collection.


• Economic savings from reduced healthcare costs related to waterborne diseases.

Project Collaborators

Waves 4 Water: An international non-profit distributing portable water filters.

BAMBALINAS: A social innovation entrepreneurship initiative in La Guajira.

PLANTÚ: An eco-sustainable stationery brand transforming waste into germinable paper for community gardens.

More information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZX1mgOt7-aRMCaCm7Arfc-zKP8C1W452?usp=sharing