Mission

To raise Rs 90,000 ($1452) in order to be able to install a see-saw pump in a school in Mewat and thus ensure continueous water supply for sanitation in the school.

Category

Poverty Alleviation

Additional Information

The problem: In water starved areas like Mewat, bringing children to school and keeping them there is very difficult. In the absence of water, it is difficult if not impossible to provide proper toilet facilities for the students, eventually leading to a lot of girls dropping out of schools. However, in schools like the one in Ranyali, children have access to proper sanitation facilities due to the ingenious See-saw water pump. The solution: Force lift See-saw hand pumps provides water for sanitation while proving students a means of play. It includes a India Mark-II hand pump with little modifications where the top of hand-pump is made watertight so that the water can only go out through the mouth. When the mouth is connected to an overhead tank, water gets lifted up to the tank. The hand pump is also attached to a See-Saw, so when the children play on the see-saw, its movement helps to move the lever  to start pumping water. The stored water can be used in toilets for sanitation and hygiene purposes. It's a low maintenance and sustainable model where no electricity is used for pumping water. Children also get an opportunity to play and enjoy themselves while the water is getting pumped up. A separate toilet for boys and girls is one of basic facilities all the school should have but the conditions on ground are really different. Many schools still do not have sufficient toilets and even existing one are not in good condition due to lack of water. The system is most useful in making toilets functional which are mostly abandoned due to shortage/absence of water. Beneficiaries: Each system can benefit 500-750 students. Availability of water for drinking and sanitation at school helps students, especially girls, maintain good attendance in school.