About Us
Expert services in water, sanitation and hygiene
CAWST is a Canadian charity and licensed not-for-profit professional engineering consultancy teaching people how to bring safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene in their homes, schools and clinics, using simple, affordable technologies.
Our Vision
A world where people have the opportunity to succeed because their basic water and sanitation needs have been met.
Our Mission
Provide technical training and consulting, and act as a centre of expertise in water and sanitation for the poor in developing countries.
Core Strategies
CAWST develops the capacity of local organizations to make their own decisions and meet their communities' water, sanitation and hygiene needs. Our five core strategies achieve sustained impact at the scale needed to help us reach 100 million people by 2030.
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With the right knowledge and skills anyone, anywhere can take ownership of their own water, sanitation and hygiene. CAWST empowers people to take action in their homes and neighbourhoods, builds resiliency, and ensures appropriate solutions for the local water context.
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There are thousands of local organizations and governments who are best suited to provide quality water and sanitation services over the long term. CAWST builds the skills and knowledge of water and health practitioners to start, strengthen and grow their water, sanitation and hygiene services.
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Treating water in the home protects people from water-borne diseases immediately; is within most people's capability to operate and maintain; and is affordable to reach the large number of people currently unserved. Household water treatment provides a good entry point to educate on health, hygiene and sanitation.
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Relevant and effective training sparks independent action. When people know that simple solutions exist for their water, sanitation and hygiene needs, and how to implement them, they improve their practices. CAWST’s trainings focus on practical options for people to determine how best to move forward.
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As people apply what they learn from training to their local context, they often need help to adapt and respond to issues as they arise. CAWST helps people find solutions, improve quality, scale-up, and increase effectiveness of their programs.
Our Theory of Change
Education can catalyze independent action in water, sanitation and hygiene at the scale needed.
CAWST's Founding Beliefs
CAWST values equitable opportunities, sustainable solutions, collaborative and inclusive processes. CAWST recognizes and accepts differences in cultural, religious and political processes.
As a fundamental necessity for life, all persons have the right to a safe and secure supply of water.
Democratic governing processes and systems are an essential component of organizational success.
Leadership by example is essential.
Nonprofit agencies provide leadership in improving the living conditions of the poor and development of civil society worldwide.
Recognizing the universal right to clean water, all members of the global community have a responsibility to create or support institutions, economic systems, and social structures that can fulfill this necessity.
Developing the capacity of local populations to meet their own needs is the only sustainable solution for provision of basic services.