We provide training and consulting support to local organizations so they can do more effective and relevant work. We house the world’s largest online collection of open content water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) educational resources so that individuals and organizations worldwide can access the knowledge they need, when they need it.

We believe deeply in the capability of local people to identify, implement and sustain their own solutions. When we provide people with knowledge and skills, we unlock their potential to drive change in their communities. Most importantly, we stick around, so that people know we are available to support them in their action. When they face a hurdle in their efforts to improve the water and sanitation conditions in their community, they know we are available to help them find a solution. This way, they can overcome challenges along the path to successful programs.Internationally, CAWST works directly with client organizations in 87 countries. Much of our work has focused on Afghanistan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Honduras, Nepal and Zambia. In each of those countries we have partnered with in-country organizations to create locally-staffed centres, called Water Expertise and Training (WET) Centres, that provide locally-adapted water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) training and education services. WET Centres are core to our strategy of addressing the global water and sanitation crisis by building local knowledge and skills. Over time, the WET Centres become increasingly independent, freeing up our resources to expand to other countries, knowing that the WET Centres are doing locally what CAWST does globally.

Through our Virtual Services, CAWST offers a wide range of open content online tools and resources, so people can develop their skills and knowledge anywhere, anytime. These include three Knowledge Bases (WASH Education & Training Resources, Household Water Treatment & Safe Storage, and Biosand Filters), webinars, instructional videos, mobile technologies, and live online WASH technical support. Around the world, 4,800 organizations from 197 countries use our Virtual Services. We have more than 13,000 registered users, with about 10 new user registrations daily.The generosity of our donors allow us to make a long-term commitment to empower, walk beside and train our organization partners, so they are able to start, strengthen, or scale up their water and sanitation projects and reach those most in need. When you invest in CAWST, you are giving a lasting Gift of Water to empower local people with knowledge and skills to solve their water and sanitation challenges. This could be treating their own water, building an appropriate latrine, or practicing healthy hygiene in their home.

Double Your Impact!

All donations to CAWST are currently being matched dollar-for-dollar by two generous donors, David O’Brien and Geoff Cumming. Each has contributed $6 million to inspire others to invest in solving the global water crisis. Through the O’Brien-Cumming Match, CAWST will accelerate our reach and impact: we intend to reach more than 100 million people with improved water and sanitation by 2030. Through your support today, you can help us reach this goal.