2018 Projects

Over the last year-plus, Franklin Wells for the World Foundation (FWWF) put forth continued effort toward its mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective water to suffering communities.

There are currently over 300 million people who do not have access to clean drinking water in Africa. Over 60 percent of that population has no access to sanitation, leading to numerous life-threatening diseases. Leveraging Franklin Electric’s innovative products, FWWF recently worked to benefit the lives of approximately 15,000 people. This included working with an orphanage, three public schools, and surrounding populations in the South African and Kenyan communities to provide safe drinking water and sustainable living conditions.

Esfuleni, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

The Esfuleni Orphanage Centre cares for roughly 32 children ranging from 4 to 18 years old. With the surrounding population, this community totals approximately 700 people. Before the efforts of FWWF, this poverty-stricken community had lived without electricity and safe drinking water, inflicting a high level of waterborne diseases on its people.

Previously, their nearest water supply was a polluted river 2.5 km (1.6 miles) away. Thanks to FWWF, the community now has access to safe drinking water at the Esfuleni Orphanage Centre.  In addition to safe drinking water, the community hopes to use the available water to provide self-sustainable food supplies, such as vegetable gardens and fruit trees.

Jabez Preschool, Mpumalanga, South Africa 

Jabez Preschool is a new school located in the small village of Justicia B. The community holds a population of 3,000 people and previously had no access to education or healthcare. Many adults and children suffer from harmful diseases, including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Many adults are forced to travel to outlying areas for employment. Before the implementation of this school, about 70 children under the age of 5 had to walk over an hour, one way, to attend Mazinyana Preschool in the neighboring village.

There is a municipal tap 200 m (0.1 miles) away from the school, but it is only open for 2 hours each week, and each family is limited to 80 L (21.1 gallons). Previously, the nearest borehole was 4 km (2.5 miles) away. With several efforts, FWWF was able to drill a borehole with potable water that can now be accessed at the community’s leisure, located 400 m (0.2 miles) away from the school.

Kaiyaba Primary School, Migaa, Kenya 

Kaiyaba Primary School is a public school in Njoro District, located in Migaa Village. This school holds 422 students, and the surrounding community totals around 2,000 people. This community suffers from a high rate of intestinal parasites, life-threatening diarrhea, and skin infections, resulting from a lack of clean water.

Prior to FWWF’s efforts, the nearest source of water was a river 2 km (1.2 miles) away. The community used this water for drinking and bathing, and children had to carry their own containers of drinking water to school. FWWF was able to find a drill operator and source of potable water for the community to tap into.

Piave Primary School, Kahuho, Kenya

Piave Primary School is a public school in Njoro District, located in Kahuho Village. It was started in 1997 due to overcrowding at a nearby school. This school holds 500 students, and the surrounding community totals around 5,000 people. This community has suffered from HIV/AIDs and other life-threatening diseases, which have left many children to be raised by their grandparents.

Prior to FWWF’s efforts, the nearest water source was a river 4 km (2.5 miles) away. The community used this water for drinking and bathing, and children had to carry their own containers of drinking water to school. FWWF was able to find a drill operator and source of potable water for the community to access.