Community development through a sustainable micro-business selling clean water

Abstract:

This paper presents an ongoing, multi-year, student-run project to provide access to clean water at specific, targeted communities in Haiti. Project Haiti is a yearly student research, design, fabrication, test, installation, and training effort at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to deliver sustainable water purifiers and originate a companion micro-business to sell excess clean water to the community. Haiti's rebuilding effort after the 2010 earthquake highlighted the need for sustainable development and cooperation among partnering NGOs in localized communities. Poorly managed relief and development efforts were characterized by lack of coordination, lack of local ownership, and resulting hardware and projects that were unsustainable. Lessons learned from the history of US-based aid to developing countries are taken into account each year. Specific criteria were developed for installation partner and community selection. Either a fully or partially solar-powered water purifier was installed in Haiti for operation by trained locals. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) training was also implemented among the local community using a translator. This community development model is a short-term, focused, and specialized approach that brings in the right people to partner with an existing long-term organization. The goals and timeline for this Solution Focused approach are clear and well-defined.