Training

Our work training others

Aqua Clara International 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 who 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 International recognizes that there are countless organizations and individuals who work each day for the betterment of communities in need across the world. Thus, ACI 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 ACI Water Purification and ACI 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. (Click here for a summary of the agendas for our training programs)

Do you work regularly in a location where such a program would fit? Contact us.

Training Programs

Aqua Clara offers two types of training programs.  The first focuses on our home-based point of use biosand filter are is offered on a quarterly basis for those individuals and groups interested in bringing this technology to particular communities.  The second program involves one or more of the other technologies ACI offers, from sand-and membrane to special contaminants.  These latter workshops are typically offered only for partner organizations that have committed to assuming responsibility for implementing specific projects.

Our training sessions that focus on the biosand filter are designed to empower others to launch and maintain their own water programs in locations across the world. We believe that any sustainable solution must be locally driven and locally sustainable, therefore we focus on providing a thorough educational experience that is followed by ongoing support and guidance.  Our training programs typically cover two or three days, depending on the needs of participants.

We charge a modest fee for our training programs, the only ACI cost associated with our family-based water purifiers. Please contact Aqua Clara for our fee schedule.

The fee we charge provides for materials used in the training, as well as a 7/8″ hole saw, a 3/16 or 1/4″ drill bit, and a 2 ft length of the screen that should be used for the fine sieve.  This enables participants to avoid having to find the materials when they go on a build.

In Holland, MI – At our facility in Michigan or in collaborating sites in the U.S., we host regular training sessions that train those who hope to take an Aqua Clara International Program to their region of work. These sessions are typically scheduled on a quarterly basis, although we can also schedule sessions upon request, depending on needs and circumstances.

Around the World – Our Transfer Agents travel and host training sessions in in other states in the U.S. and in communities of need around the world. These sessions entail our standard fee schedule plus travel expenses. Contact us for further information.

 

Agenda for Biosand Filter Training Workshop

Class Topics: (Estimated time 4 hours 8:00-11:30)

• The need for Safe Drinking Water
• The Water cycle
• How Water Becomes Unsafe
• Water Quality
• Water Filter Overview
• How the Water Filter Works
• Water Filter Performance
• Water Filter Maintenance
• Multibarrier Approach to Clean Water

Exercises: (Estimated Time 8 hours, 4 hours the afternoon of the first day, and 4 hours the morning of the second day)

Day 1 afternoon

• Sand Separation
• Cleaning Filter Media

Day 2 morning

• Filter Body Construction
• Filter Assembly

Afternoon of Day 2. Qualification Activities

Evaluation and Documentation

Oral exam

Upon successful completion of the training workshop and its certifying exam, participants will receive a password to the ACI website where they can access all ACI materials and documentation related to ACI water purifiers and the various ACI programs and processes.

In addition, for those parties interested in creating and maintaining microbusinesses around the biosand filter, a half-day workshop will be scheduled, either following the two-day training program or at another date.