One of life’s most basic needs can be quite the pain.
I know it might be hard to relate to, but it’s a big deal: There are 750 million people in the world who lack access to clean water — more than double the population of the United States. That’s too many!
It’s forcing people to travel long distances (we’re talking miles … on foot) to locate the nearest water supply. And dare I mention the part where they have to carry all the water back home? Talk about a love/hate relationship.
But what if you can turn it into a job?
With support from the European Union, a water supply and sanitation project is in full force in Blantyre, Malawi. Community members (especially women) are being taught how to operate water kiosks, read water meters, and quantify units of water consumed. And they’re getting paid for it. Yay, business!
It’s a victory in many ways, especially as more communities can use Blantyre’s success as an example for their own work.
The benefits are big time.
One employee is happy to share all the best parts.
That last one = yessssss. *Insert happy dance*
Just in time for World Water Day.
And one more thing…
On March 22, 2015, Upworthy, TOMS Roasting Co., and the United Nations partnered for an #UpChat all about accessible water, sanitation, and sustainable solutions.
