Thirst-Aid applies the need to purify water as an opportunity to stimulate local economies while simultaneously introducing appropriate safe-water technologies and public health education. To achieve this goal, in-country organizations are aided in the development of ceramic water filter production facilities, involving local craftsmen and labor in the design, development and fabrication of equipment and filters.
Recognizing that technology alone is not enough to prevent waterborne illnesses and that education, training, and social marketing to promote behavior change comprise 90% of the issue in the adoption of safe-water practices, Thirst-Aid precedes the introduction of safe-water technologies with the Thirst-Ed program, allowing participants to apply the time they spend attending classes on public health and waterborne illnesses towards the purchase of safe-water technology.
Upon completing the Thirst-Ed program, participants receive a Certificate of Knowledge, which later becomes the currency by which water purification technologies can be purchased at subsidized costs.
