Sustainability
The AC focus
There have been a wide variety of organizations working on clean water programs for some time now. Recently it has been noticed that one of the often overlooked elements was sustainability. That is, how long does a project continue to produce the desired result after outside input (financial or otherwise) moves on? Can a product be repaired by local craftspeople? Can it be constructed from local materials? Is it affordable? What are its upkeep costs? Does it need frequent maintenance? Does it require regular electricity or fuel?
AC Technology was developed with these specific questions in mind. Likewise, we focus on training rather than on simply placing Purifiers because such a focus transfers know-how, thereby allowing for continued production and maintenance of AC Water Purifiers once our resources refocus elsewhere. Our focus is on transferring technological know-how as rapidly as possible, as intelligently as needed.
Local financial sustainability
Different types of locally owned enterprises are supported. Some are for-profit businesses run by individuals. Others may be community run or administered by a local non-profit organization. Regardless, the focus remains on empowering locals to work towards their community benefit in a sustainable fashion. We term these independently owned and operated enterprises AC Franchises, whether for-profit or not. To learn more about the AC Franchise Program and its benefits, click here.
Localization
Additionally, we continually work to localize our efforts. To that end, we work to launch AC-affiliated support and training operations in our countries of focus. For instance, Aqua Clara Kenya is in the process of being formed, as is Aqua Clara de Mexico. Each organization will be registered and legal, and will be a constant in country presence available to provide ongoing training, support and communication activities to independent in-country water programs.
Our work training others
We train local entrepreneurs
Aqua Clara exists to transfer appropriate, effective and affordable technological know-how to local community leaders who will then be empowered to meet the needs of their communities. One of our major thrusts is in sending our Transfer Agents to communities of need that request our presence. This request usually occurs via a mutual contact (if you have a contact who may be interested in our program, share it by contacting us.
In many communities, a group training session usually occurs. After several Water Purifiers are constructed and are functioning, those that are inspired to launch their own enterprise based upon Purifier manufacture, sales and maintenance are supported through follow-up materials and visits.
We train others how to train local entrepreneurs
Aqua Clara recognizes that there are countless organizations and individuals who work each day for the betterment of communities in need across the world. Thus, AC strives to train those who work or volunteer in community development projects across the world. We train these individuals and organizations so that they can then travel to train their contacts in AC Water Purification and AC Program launch.
We recognize that one of the most difficult endeavors in any community development project is in affecting behavioral change and/or product adoption. Therefore, we strive to work in collaboration with a respected and trusted local community leader in all of our projects – one who can serve as an early adaptor and promoter. Training individuals and organizations allows them to take this program to their own trust relationships – and thereby we are not forced to spend time forging a new trust relationship to promote a water project. It is efficient and effective.
Do you work regularly in a location where such a program would fit? Contact us.
