Draft:Malawi Water Project

• Comment: See WP:COI. Greenman (talk) 13:56, 4 September 2023 (UTC)

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The Malawi Water Project is a humanitarian organization committed to creating access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene education in the African nation of Malawi. Established in 2011 by Helen Gail Timoffee, the organization aims to deliver water resources to marginalized communities in Malawi. The Malawi Water Project has implemented the deployment of Biosand water filters, the establishment of community health clubs, borehole rehabilitation, and sanitation education.

History

The Malawi Water Project traces its origins back to 2006 when its founder, Helen Gail Timoffee, travelled to Malawi alongside her daughter, Karen Belanger (Timoffee). During this trip, Helen visited an orphanage near Blantyre and bore witness to the loss of an orphaned infant named Isabel, who succumbed to a preventable illness just one day after being cradled in Helen's arms. This encounter fueled Helen's mission to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Malawi's inhabitants.

The early endeavors of the organization are linked to Deer Park United Church in Calgary, Alberta, where various fundraising initiatives and volunteer efforts took root. Additionally, Helen forged a partnership with Father Raphael Mpanga from the Anglican Diocese in Malawi, who had been working on water filtration projects within the country. Together, they implemented the Biosand water filter technology developed by Dr. David Manz at the University of Calgary.

In 2009, following her return to Canada, Helen Timoffee orchestrated the collection and shipment of essential supplies, including medical equipment, bicycles, personal hygiene items, and tools, to Malawi. Father Raphael distributed these supplies to communities in Blantyre.

Sarah Falconer, the country director of the Malawi Water Project, oversaw the construction of a factory and office in Chikwawa, Malawi in 2017. The facility serves as the organization's operational headquarters, where staff and volunteers manufacture Biosand water filters, store borehole repair equipment, strategize operational endeavors, and manage administrative tasks.

Organizational Structure

The Malawi Water Project was formally registered in 2011 forming a strategic partnership with the Deer Park United Church in Calgary, Alberta. In 2017, it became a subsidiary of Healthy Lives International, a registered Canadian charity founded by Helen Timoffee. Healthy Lives International operates under the governance of a board of directors based in Canada.

Operational activities of the Malawi Water Project are predominantly based in Malawi, where the organization employs a team of full-time staff, part-time staff and volunteers. The factory in the Chikwawa District serves as the central hub for project activities, including the production, installation, maintenance, and repair of Biosand water filters, borehole restoration projects, and sanitation education initiatives.

Programs

The Malawi Water Project's programs are crafted to address water and sanitation needs of Malawi's most vulnerable and geographically isolated villages. These communities have limited access to clean water and face a disproportionate burden of waterborne illnesses, especially among children under the age of five.

Biosand Water Filters

The Malawi Water Project is a leading manufacturer and installer of Biosand water filters in Malawian households. As of 2024, over 3600 Biosand water filters were set up in households in Malawi. This process commences with community meetings that introduce the concept of a healthy home. Participants who express interest in acquiring a filter at a nominal cost are identified. Subsequently, the filters are constructed, delivered, and installed within homes, with an emphasis on nurturing a sense of ownership. The organization aims to maintain a consistent presence, regularly following up with homeowners to ensure the filters are operating optimally and to collaborate on improving overall household health.

Sanitation Education and WASH Training

In tandem with the provision of clean water, the Malawi Water Project educates villagers on proper sanitation and hygiene practices through WASH Training (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). WASH sessions are conducted with community volunteers, who educate their fellow villagers on essential practices for safeguarding clean water sources and mitigating the risk of waterborne diseases.

Water Well / Borehole Repair

The organization identifies non-operational boreholes, conducts assessments, and procures the requisite components for restoration. Villages enter into agreements with the organization to repay the costs of borehole repairs over time. Local residents are trained in minor borehole maintenance for sustainability of various water sources. The Malawi Water Project participates in the Madzi Alipo database that tracks borehole repairs and maintenance in Africa. As of 2023, over 96 boreholes have been repaired in Malawi.

Community Health Clubs

The Malawi Water Project implemens Community Health Clubs (CHC). CHC's are community-based organizations in Africa dedicated to improving public health through the promotion of hygiene.

Project Operations

The Malawi Water Project monitors project activities with the Kobo Toolbox, a monitoring tool developed by Harvard University for use on Samsung tablets. It aids in collecting crucial data, including health information related to beneficiary homes, the performance of installed filters, and borehole repair information.