Please watch our video at the top of this page!
Imagine being a girl and not able to go to school or work because you can't access a clean and safe toilet. Imagine the disease that may arise because you can't wash your hands or find safe water to drink.
Instead,
Imagine when your toilet or plumbing breaks down you can quickly and cheaply make a replacement part instead of waiting on a delivery from the city. Imagine having your own small business that collects and recycles waste plastics for use in 3D printers. Imagine having a renewable energy source that can power a number of essential community needs as well as powering your 3D printer. Imagine having a 3D printer that can be transported safely between villages and be used by local experts.
3D WASH aims to improve access to WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) for women and girls and their communities in countries like the Solomon Islands. Deakin University and Plan International are collaborating to make a difference through 3D printing technology.
Access to WASH is essential for participation in education, good health and safety, but communities often face lengthy delays in sourcing and paying for replacements when parts fail. Rapid replacement of broken parts of toilets, pumps and taps will enable WASH infrastructure to be operating again as soon as possible in both aid relief and everyday scenarios. On-site, local production of essential parts will address the issues of lengthy delivery time-frames, incorrect part supply and commercial monopolies. Local communities will develop greater autonomy with their WASH infrastructure, reduce their environmental footprint by recycling waste plastics and using renewable energy, as well as develop small associated enterprises.
Our innovative researchers at Deakin's CADET are working on amazing projects that will use emerging 3D printer technology to make a big difference in the lives of many.
Dr Mazher Mohammed, Dr Clara Alvarez and colleagues at Deakin University's CADET are coming up with the ideas that are changing the world. You might recognise Mazher from 2016 media when he created a new ear for a woman who had been injured many years ago. Our partnership with NGO Plan International will bring their knowledge and understanding of the Solomon Islands community needs together with Deakin expertise to make a real difference.
NOTE: Thanks for the great storytelling by Samuel Thomas when creating our wonderful video. Thanks to the teams at CADET And Plan International for contribution of content, and Creative Commons Audio: Music by SANDR - Mile High:
So much potential!
New Reward Options!
The Re-user: A metal water bottle, available in a range of colours
The Reducer: A plastic travel cup, available in a range of colours
Limited edition Heritage T-shirt :white, Ladies L, Mens M, Mens L
The reality-lover: Google Cardboard to explore the emerging world of virtual reality
