In 2023, we partnered with ChildFund Kiribati to address the critical issue of unsafe drinking water in the island nation of Kiribati. With only 27% of households having access to safe drinking water, we aimed to provide sustainable, solar-powered water purification solutions to vulnerable communities.

Project Overview

• Distribution: 373 Solvatten units were distributed to new and expectant mothers in Betio, reaching over 2,200 individuals.
• Target Areas: The initiative focused on densely populated areas like Betio, where access to clean water is severely limited.
• Beneficiaries: The project prioritized families with young children, aiming to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery.

The introduction of Solvatten kits has led to significant improvements in community health and well-being. Families now have a reliable source of clean, hot water which reduces the need to boil water using scarce and expensive fuels like kerosene.

Community members have reported a decrease in waterborne diseases and an increase in time available for other essential activities. One beneficiary, Tiuneta, a mother of 3, shared:

“I have been using this unit to boil my children’s drinking water, making tea, even cooking our noodles with it, and boiling our children’s bathwater. I find that this unit has helped us to save our money as instead of purchasing kerosene or butane gas to boil our drinking water, I can just use this unit when it’s sunny to boil our water, and it also saves our time as I can just leave this unit under the sun to do its work and I can do other things.”

This project exemplifies the effective partnership between Solvatten and ChildFund in addressing critical water and environmental challenges in Kiribati. By leveraging solar technology and community engagement, the initiative has provided a sustainable solution to a pressing public health issue.

We remain committed to expanding access to safe water through innovative, low-tech solutions and strong local partnerships. Together with ChildFund, we strive to create lasting, positive change in communities most in need.

To learn more about why safe water access matters so deeply in Kiribati — and what’s at stake for the next generation — we invite you to read the full feature in the New Zealand Herald.

And if you’re interested in knowing more about our work on the ground, feel free to reach out to us at hello@solvatten.org – we’d love to connect!