DonateWater: Empowering Communities Through Clean Water Access

DonateWater is a dynamic non-profit organization with a powerful mission: to enhance access to clean and safe drinking water in rural Nigerian communities. Established in 2021, this non-profit organization has emerged as a formidable force for change, driven by a group of dedicated individuals who share a common passion for leveraging technology to tackle social problems.

Origins in Climate Gender Challenge:

The roots of the initiative trace back to the Open17 Climate Gender Challenge program on Goodwall. This innovative challenge was organized by Crowd4SDG, a three-year EU project aimed at promoting citizen science projects that address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a specific focus on climate action. It was in partnership with UNICEF’s Yoma initiative that the seeds of DonateWater were sown.

Meet the Visionaries:

The founding team of DonateWater comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the table. Rachael David, a frontend web developer and staunch advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Solomon Olusegun, a DevOps Engineer with a profound commitment to citizen science; Francisca Timothy, a postgraduate student with an unwavering passion for creating social impact; and Daniel Ugwu, a pharmacist driven by the desire to improve lives. Together, they form a formidable ensemble united by the belief that clean water can transform communities.

A Dual-Purpose Strategy:

DonateWater adopts a two-pronged approach to confront water scarcity in rural Nigeria. At its core is the power of citizen science and crowdsourcing, harnessed to collect and analyze vital data on water source locations and quality. This data serves as the foundation for creating informative maps that pinpoint water scarcity hotspots, enabling targeted interventions where they are needed most.

Partnerships for Progress:

Operating from its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, DonateWater understands that collaboration is key to creating meaningful change. The organization has cultivated partnerships with esteemed institutions and organizations, including UNICEF, Crowd4SDG, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Caliber Consult, YOMA, Goodwall, ABC Research, University of Geneva, Citizen Science Africa, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the University of Lagos. These partnerships extend their reach and amplify their impact.

A Commitment to Sustainability:

What sets DonateWater apart is their unwavering commitment to sustainability. They prioritize environmentally friendly methods to provide clean drinking water, recognizing that preserving the planet is integral to their mission.

Empowering Women and Girls:

DonateWater is not just about providing clean water; it’s about empowering women and girls. Their mission revolves around gender equality and ensuring equitable access to clean water. By doing so, they provide women and girls with the chance to thrive and unlock their boundless potential.

A Global Stage:

The impact of DonateWater has not gone unnoticed. The team had the opportunity to present their innovative initiative at the Geneva Trialogue + Crowd4SDG final conference in Geneva, Switzerland, earlier this year. Their dedication to improving lives through clean water access is a testament to their unwavering commitment.

A Future of Equal Opportunities:

DonateWater envisions a future where every individual, regardless of age or gender, has equal opportunities to thrive. They recognize that access to clean, safe, and potable water is a fundamental right that can transform lives. Together, let’s work towards a future where clean water becomes a catalyst for the boundless potential of every citizen.

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