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Nearly 300 children at a school in South Africa now have access to clean water, thanks to a fundraising program launched by ARAMARK UK.
Last summer, ARAMARK partnered with its clients to introduce One Water at accounts across Britain. One Water is produced by a national foundation, which uses about 20 cents from each bottle sold to finance clean water projects in Africa.
In November, the first project through ARAMARK sales was completed: a PlayPump® water system at Tholo Primary School near Zeerust, South African (close to the Botswana border). PlayPump uses a simple but ingenious design. As children play on a merry-go-round, the rotations drive a pump, bringing fresh, clean water from deep underground into a storage tank. The result is a continuous flow of clean water for the entire community.
“Before, this school had no clean water at all,” said Val Carter, ARAMARK UK Corporate Responsibility Director. “The children weren’t allowed to go outside and play in case they got dehydrated. Installing the pump means they can run around and play and they can start to cultivate a food garden, supplying fresh fruit and vegetables and allowing for a more nutritious lunch. The children get involved with growing the food and therefore learn a critical life skill.”
Photo above: ARAMARK UK employees Clive Cooper and Val Carter with the children.