With the support of CLEAN International, Gravity Water, and WaterWatch Penang (WWP), the organizations have recently embarked on a strategic expansion into Kelantan, implementing rainwater harvesting systems in schools across the state
In northern Malaysia, Gravity Water is partnering with WaterWatch Penang (WWP), a local non-profit organization that has been a pivotal advocate for water conservation and sustainable water resource management in the region. Guided by a vision of fostering a water-conscious society, WWP is committed to educating the public and transforming communities into water-savvy, climate-resilient citizens.
Over the past three decades, WWP has conducted extensive water education programs and spearheaded numerous water conservation projects throughout Penang. These initiatives, including rainwater harvesting and water-saving projects in schools, have played a crucial role in advancing sustainable water management in the region.
With the support of Gravity Water, WWP has recently embarked on a strategic expansion into Kelantan, implementing rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS) in schools across the state. Kelantan presents unique cultural, political, and environmental challenges that differ from those in Penang. Many schools in Kelantan face limited access to clean water, relying predominantly on groundwater, which amplifies the need for RWHS solutions.
The initial phase of this ambitious initiative, installing systems at 14 schools in Bachok, Kelantan, has yielded impressive results. Despite infrastructure challenges, the project has already successfully harvested and utilized 91 cubic meters of rainwater. This achievement was made possible through the collaboration of key partners, including CLEAN International, the Malaysian Ministry of Education, the Kelantan State Education Department, and the participating schools.
WWP’s expansion into Kelantan marks a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to promote sustainable water practices. It highlights the vital role of collaborative efforts in addressing water challenges across diverse regions, reinforcing WWP’s commitment to building a sustainable and water-resilient future for Malaysia.
Collaboration and partnerships support 18,909 total new beneficiaries and 29 new clean water system installations in 4 countries
Vietnam: 2,113 new beneficiaries, 7 new installations
Taiwan: 6825 new beneficiaries, 6 new installations
Nepal: 5486 new beneficiaries, 11 new installations
Malaysia: 4485 new beneficiaries, 5 new installations
Vietnam: conducted a six-month survey across all supported schools to assess the condition and effectiveness of the systems
Vietnam: collaborated with the Education and Training Departments in Hoa Binh and Lao Cai provinces to distribute over 600 replacement filters to partner schools, preparing the systems for the new school year's operation and providing maintenance support to 24 schools to ensure continued optimal performance
Nepal: Prefabricated 35 new clean water systems in the warehouse to prepare for upcoming installations.
Collaboration efforts between Gravity Water and EEFT share a vision of climate resilience in Taiwan
Gravity Water has teamed up with the Environmental Ethics Foundation of Taiwan (EEFT) to enhance climate resilience at schools across Taiwan. Through the implementation of rainwater harvesting technology and climate education, this collaboration aims to empower schools to reach zero net by promoting water security and climate resiliency.
Founded after Earth Day in 2007, EEFT is a leading organization dedicated to environmental communication and conservation in Taiwan. By fostering awareness and action through education, advocacy, and innovative projects, EEFT works to spark societal concern, reflection, and dialogue on environmental issues, encouraging people to actively participate in protecting our planet.
The partnership between Gravity Water and EEFT emerged from a shared vision to enhance climate resilience in Taiwan. Leveraging EEFT’s established connections with local schools, the collaboration has facilitated the smooth introduction of rainwater harvesting systems, enabling swift project implementation in urban school settings. EEFT’s on-the-ground expertise and deep-rooted relationships have been instrumental in bridging schools with sustainable water solutions, amplifying the impact of both organizations.
Together, Gravity Water and EEFT are creating a model for climate resilience in Taiwan. This partnership not only provides schools with sustainable water solutions but also cultivates environmental education and empowers communities to take meaningful action for a sustainable future.
Strategic partners in Vietnam assess sites and school needs to plan for the future growth of Gravity Water's clean water systems
Tra Vinh Province, located in the Mekong Delta Region, has been heavily impacted by climate change. Following discussions with the Norwegian Mission Alliance (NMA) in June and July, a joint site assessment was conducted between Gravity Water and NMA on August 15-16 in Tra Vinh province. Five schools were included in the assessment, and a comprehensive report on their water supply needs was developed collaboratively. NMA plans to purchase three systems from Gravity Water and has requested a matching fund to cover the remaining two schools. This project is planned for execution in 2025.
To expand our work to another area within the Saigon Watershed, Gravity Water Vietnam continued its collaboration with the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation (CNCF) and met with the Tay Ninh Education and Training Department on August 22. At the meeting, department leaders expressed understanding of the project's purpose and tasked their staff with gathering the needs of local schools before seeking provincial approval. They also requested consultation on the procedural process undertaken in Ben Tre to facilitate the project in Tay Ninh. The plan is to provide 61 systems to schools in need in Tay Ninh Province, with implementation targeted for Q4 2024.
Bal Adarsha Secondary School in Nepal receives much-needed Rainwater Harvesting and Filtration System
Mr. Rabin Tamang lives in Nepal, specifically in Panauti Municipality, Ward Number 10, and is the principal of Bal Adarsha Secondary School. Even though the school is just 35 km from Kathmandu, it faces a serious water shortage. Nearby, there's a dam at Khwopasi Hydropower, but its water isn't safe for drinking. As a result, the school has to fetch drinking water from a spring 20 minutes away—a challenging task throughout the year.
The school recently built a 10,000-liter underground water tank, but it remains empty. With support from Panauti Municipality, they receive water from a borewell for just one hour per day, which isn't enough for the 450 students.
In addition to having a limited capacity issue, the risk of waterborne diseases is high without a proper filtration system. Last month Gravity Water Nepal, with support from World Centric, installed a Rainwater Harvesting and Filtration System at the school, which will greatly improve the safety and availability of water for the students.
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