PlayPumps International

Pumping Clean water … and Fun

Location: Mozambique

PlayPumps International: Grantee in 2007 and 2008

PlayPumps International provided an innovative approach to the need for clean water in sub-Saharan Africa. Clean water is essential to nourishment and health in these countries. Traditional approaches to water gathering place a heavy burden on women and girls to transport water, often from unreliable and unsanitary sources. PlayPumps International started as part of a collaboration of organizations in South Africa. They conceived, designed, built and installed water pumps powered by children playing on a merry-go-round or roundabout. The pumps can draw water from fairly deep wells and the system includes a storage tank. PlayPumps are installed in villages, most often in schoolyards. The PlayPumps program scope includes site services, manufacturing and installing the pump systems, provision of public information and advertising on the storage tanks, and maintenance and repair services

After installing hundreds of pumps in South Africa, PlayPumps International undertook expansion to other African nations in 2005. Project Redwood directly participated in the expansion into Mozambique, supplying funds for 2 of the 85 pumps installed in that country.

Project Redwood participated in the PlayPumps initiative in 2007 and 2008. In addition to financial support for two pumps, we contributed non-financial expertise to fundraising programs, including the development of video material.

Following a downturn in funding during the economic recession, PlayPumps activity reverted to its roots in South Africa. It continues to provide maintenance and support to existing pumps and new installations in needy communities.

For more information, see: http://www.playpumps.co.za/.

GRANT SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

2007: $20,000 for installation of a PlayPump in Mozambique and support for fundraising materials

2008: $20,000 for installation of a PlayPump in Mozambique and support for fundraising materials

IMPACT

Clean water source for two villages. The 85 PlayPumps in Mozambique provided clean water for about 200,000 people. The activity also provided job training and employment opportunities for about 16 people who service the pumps.