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Hand Pump Repair Training

Lifewater’s Hand Pump Repair course is a high-activity, learn-by-doing training mixing interactive classroom sessions with hands-on exercises. Participants will encounter and repair real broken hand pumps collected from around the world including the Bush, India Mark II & III, Afridev, and Tara pumps. This class requires no prior knowledge of hand pump repair, but good mechanical aptitude is necessary.

Class size is generally limited to twelve students, a student:trainer ratio as low as 3:1. The class is held primarily outside and is physically demanding, requiring average strength for a woman or man. Participants who are Lifewater field trainers will have the opportunity to acquire further experience under a lead trainer on training trip with one of Lifewater’s in-country partners, and then hone their technical and training skills by serving as an assistant trainer.

(Lifewater field trainers who have taken the Hand Pump Repair course in the past are needed as assistant trainers for stateside training. Assistant trainers will not be charged a course fee. Please contact the Water Specialist at 888-541-6634 for more information.)

This course has been developed to prepare Lifewater’s volunteer field trainers (FTs) to implement Lifewater Programs with in-country partners. FTs should register for courses only through the VTIC. The course is open to other individuals and organizations when space is available. Please use the links provided on the Training Calendar to sign up for a course waiting list.

Class Information
Class Length:	3 weeks of distance learning assignments followed by 5 days onsite training in San Luis Obispo.
Cost:	$550 includes manual, meals, and some local transportation.
Topics Covered Include:	Principles of hand pump operation, pump repair procedures, well rehabilitation, fostering community participation.
Prerequisites:	No prior hand pump experience is required, but good mechanical aptitude is necessary. The class is held primarily outside. It is physically demanding, and students should be able to lift at least fifty pounds. A willingness to get dirty is essential.
Location:	Lifewater Training Center San Luis Obispo, CA
Dates Offered:	Spring through early fall - see the Training Calendar
Class Size:	12 maximum (3 teams of 4 students)
Daily Schedule:	Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM breakfast – 7:30 PM briefing after dinner and Friday 7:30 AM-3:00 PM (voluntary clean-up until 4 PM). Please schedule your departing flight no earlier than 5:00 PM Friday.
Dress:	Jeans, work boots, gloves, “layers” for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Pre-Class Assignments:	There will be three weeks of distance learning lessons (one set per week) and two conference calls prior to 5 days on-site training. Participants must complete all learning assignments, join at least one conference call, and attend all on-site training sessions.

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