Clean water is something most of us don’t think twice about. Turn on the tap or open a bottle and there it is. But that’s not the case for more than 800 million people worldwide. In addition, more than 2 billion don’t have access to the improved sanitation that clean water can provide.
It’s a tragedy that contributes to more than 800,000 deaths worldwide of children under five each year and one that United VARs, an alliance of 50 SAP partners operating in 90 countries, strives to remedy.
Project: WASH (Water, Sanitary Facilities, and Hygiene training), an organization that builds clean water systems for schools in Cambodia, one of the countries most impacted by lack of clean water according to water.org. Detlef Mehlmann, managing director at United VARs, witnessed the dire situation in Cambodia firsthand when visiting the country with a friend two years ago.
“The schools face disastrous hygienic conditions,” he said. “There is no drinking water. No toilets. No chance to even wash hands. The students carry plastic bottles filled with water from dirty rivers. It was disconcerting to learn this was the rule and not the exception. Almost all the children suffer from diarrhea, and, unfortunately, many of them die under the age of 12.”
In Cambodia, Mehlmann discovered one school that received a water collection and filtration system through about €20,000 in donations, making a huge impact for the students and faculty there. He brought it up to United VARs leadership, and they agreed to support fundraising to help additional schools. As part of the WASH campaign, each United VARs member will contribute 0.1 percent of all revenue reported during the second quarter. SAP has also pledged to contribute €20,000 to the cause.
“That was the easiest way to make sure all members could help,” Mehlmann said. “At the end of the day, it is a voluntary initiative, but I’m quite pleased to see such a positive response.” The water systems collect water during the rainy season, filling several large underground tanks. It’s enough to provide clean water for the whole year, Mehlmann said. “The kids can also take water home,” he said. “For €15,000 to €20,000, you can save the lives of 50 to 80 kids. It’s unbelievable.”
The donations will fund a new rainwater collection system with 4,000-liter tanks; the installation of bathrooms, latrines, handwashing stations, and a biosand filter; and improved testing and training for students, teachers, and school administrators learning to use the system, according to the Germany-based organization Kleine Hilfsaktion that manages the program.
The goal is to raise enough money to fund at least one fresh water system, but a strong quarter by United VARs members could fund a system for a second school as well.
“I’m trying to be conservative,” Mehlmann said. “It’s a bit of a challenge. We’re working with SAP to help spread the word. I’m thankful for the support we’ve received so far.”
Adaire Fox-Martin, member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, applauded United VARs’ initiative at the alliance’s April meeting.
“Corporate social responsibility is a strategic focus for SAP and our partners,” Fox-Martin said. “I’m thrilled that United VARs is so actively committed to this very worthwhile initiative. We can all create a positive social impact in communities all around the world, and it’s our mission to ensure a sustainable future for society…to help the world run better and improve people’s lives.”
United VARs is proud to complement SAP’s efforts and contribute to improving people’s lives and making the world a better place, Mehlmann said.
“It’s important to give back to society, and we look forward to being able to bring fresh water systems to the children in Northern Cambodia that so desperately need it.”
Authors: Scott Campbell, Ashley Tully
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