Global Water Center (GWC) is partnering with UNICEF to expand the skills and expertise needed to operate solar-powered water systems worldwide, ensuring communities, schools, and healthcare facilities have long-term access to safe, reliable water.
Since 2019, UNICEF has installed more than 12,700 solar-powered water systems across seven regions. While these systems reduce reliance on fuel and improve service delivery, increasing demand has revealed critical gaps in local expertise for design, installation, and operation.
Through this partnership, GWC will provide capacity building and training for UNICEF country teams, government partners, and local water professionals. The initiative includes the delivery of 2 online courses and 25 in-person courses on solar-powered water system, offered in English and French. Training will be hands-on, tailored to local contexts, and complemented by site visits and post-training follow-up. These efforts aim to increase system longevity, reduce environmental risks, and enhance access to safe water for children and families.
“Partnering with UNICEF to strengthen solar-powered water systems around the world is a true honor,” said Thomas Johnston, CEO of GWC. “By sharing our expertise and supporting regional UNICEF Offices and their local partners, we can help ensure communities have reliable access to safe water. This work is bigger than any one organization, and we are grateful to learn and grow alongside so many committed partners to engage with many new countries that we have not previously served.”
This $1.23 million partnership is jointly funded by both organizations. GWC is seeking co-funding to expand training, provide hands-on courses, and strengthen local expertise in solar-powered water systems. Every contribution helps ensure these systems continue providing safe water for generations to come.