Cynthia koenig submited an idea on Justmeans for India Social Entrepreneurship Journey, February 2010 Contest

Cynthia koenig's Idea

India Social Entrepreneurship Journey, February 2010 Contest

399

Votes

A simple design CAN change the world!

The Hippo is an innovative water transport tool designed to alleviate problems associated with the lack of access to water. By allowing water to be placed inside its "wheel," people can collect 24 gallons at a time, five times the amount possible using traditional methods. The Hippo transforms 200 pounds of water into just 22 pounds allowing water to be transported in much less time and much more easily. While for most of us, clean water comes with the twist of a faucet. But for 1 in 6 people, access to water requires hard work: hours of walking, waiting in line, and heavy lifting. By giving people easier access to water, the Hippo removes the barriers that prevent girls from going to school, and empowers women to engage in activities that boost family income. Families are able to grow vegetables, maintain better health, and avoid disease because they have access to sufficient amounts of water.

Hippo is addressing the root causes that are trapping families and entire communities in poverty. Research shows that when women have extra time, they choose to spend it on activities that boost family income and well-being. In addition, women with even a few years of basic education have been shown to have smaller, healthier families, are more likely to be able to work their way out of poverty, and are more likely to send their own children to school. Female education is accepted as an effective strategy to break the cycle of poverty.

As the Founder of Hippo Water International (HWI), I’m passionate about finding sustainable solutions to the global water crisis and helping families break free from the cycle of poverty. HWI is a volunteer-run, 501c3 nonprofit organization that aims to improve global access to water, and creates positive, lasting social change by reducing the physical and time burdens of water collection.

HWI is scaling up, and we are already in the process of locating partners to assist with distribution in India. This trip would give my organization valuable insights into launching a successful social enterprise in India. I am excited about the opportunity to share my current challenges and best practices, and learn from leading thinkers and practitioners in the field. I’m passionate about finding new and innovative ways of applying business strategies to alleviate poverty, and would be thrilled to join India Social Entrepreneurship Journey.

Please vote for Hippo Water International and help us bring Hippos to India!

Click here to see a Hippo in action: www.hippowater.org/multimedia.php