Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs states that all people are motivated by five different, yet increasingly important levels of needs. At the basic, or physiological level, are fundamentals such as water, food and warmth, and at the next, is security and safety. As we move up each level, we are able to make friends, form loving relationships and achieve accomplishments that make our lives feel worthwhile. Maslow claims that at the top, we achieve self-actualisation, or one’s full potential. How do we achieve this? Well, all other needs must firstly be satisfied. For most of us, the basic needs are a given. For many though, this isn’t the case.
- 884 million people live without access to clean water (Water.Org)
- 31% of schools don’t have clean water (UNICEF)
- 2.3 billion people have poor sanitation.
- 1 in 3 people lack access to a toilet.
- Diarrhoea caused by dirty water and poor toilets kills a child under 5 every 2 minutes (WASHWatch.org)
‘’The World Bank says promoting good hygiene is one of the most cost effective health interventions’’ Disease Control Priorities, 2016
Broken Chain
Broken Chain is a great company that, ‘exists to see poverty eradicated’, by reducing the number of people living without access to clean water to zero. For every chain, or piece of jewellery sold, 20% goes to charity:water, who provide clean water to children living in poverty. The jewellery is available in various styles and designs such as:
- 5 Year Disc (Silver, Black, Gold and Rose Gold).
- Original Chain (Matte Silver, Matte Black, Matte Gold and Matte Rose Gold).
- Loose Bracelet (Silver, Gold and Rose Gold).
What does charity:water do?
‘’We work with local experts and community members to find the best sustainable solution in each place where we work, whether it’s a well, a piped system, a BioSand Filter, or a system for harvesting rainwater. And with every water point we fund, our partners coordinate sanitation and hygiene training, and establish a local Water Committee to help keep water flowing for years to come’’
They’ve so far collaborated with 29 local partners in 26 countries, funding a total of 28,389 water projects so that 8,236,681 people have (or will shortly have) access to clean water.
For example, Huaychapata Villa Carino, a small village in Bolivia gained access to clean drinking water in 2012 with the construction of a gravity fed system, benefitting 150 people. They’ve also set up a Water Committee to collect maintenance fees and aid hygiene practices. Close by, the Isabel Torrico School also gained access ensuring 876 students and staff could feel refreshed.
‘’Access to clean water restores health for families and reduces the amount of time that children, who often help with chores at home, spend walking and waiting to collect water each day. Clean water gives kids a chance to attend school and build a better future’’
How Else Can You Help charity:water?
- Make a donation (or ask for donations for birthday presents).
- Fundraise through your own amazing campaigns.
- Visit their shop.
Clean water clearly is the basis for which health, education and school friendships can be developed and achieved. Maslow was right.
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