To carry out our mission, Lifewater has developed three program areas - Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH*) - to help our in-country partners be more effective in the communities in which they work. Generally speaking, a Lifewater “project” consists of the implementation of one or more WASH program area with a national partner. See our strategy section for more information on how Lifewater works with in-country partners.
Lifewater's WASH program areas involve the application of technology, but technology by itself will not bring about positive change in a community. Before any improvement in technology can be effective, communities must understand, embrace, and take ownership of the changes. Without this level of community involvement, which generally takes considerable time to develop, a new technology is not likely to be sustainable.
Lifewater’s programs emphasize full participation of the community, with the goal of community ownership of any new technology. The courses in Effective Community Development introduce principles and practices that foster community participation. Furthermore, we try to ensure that we are using appropriate technologies so that the community can maintain them.
