The Boy Who Harnessed the Sun for Clean Water

In addition to studying at school, Yogi, who is already in seventh grade of junior high school, diligently helps his mother. He is responsible for providing safe drinking water at home. Yogi is also a sponsored child in one of WVI's assisted villages in Melawi-Sintang Regency, West Kalimantan. At home, Yogi prepares safe drinking water in an energy-efficient and economical way. Yogi and his family consume water that has been processed using Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS). 

SODIS is a simple method but can be an alternative way to process safe drinking water. This method is very effective for children and communities living in areas that have difficulty accessing equipment or facilities for a safe drinking water network. The village where Yogi lives often experiences limitations on Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) which is needed for cooking water. "Previously, I only knew how to process drinking water by boiling it, but now I am used to processing drinking water by exposing it under the sun," said Yogi. 

Yogi learned about SODIS when he attended one of WVI's activities held in his village. After attending the activity, Yogi practiced SODIS at his home. He no longer has to always boil water when he wants to drink. He also no longer has to worry if LPG is scarce or very expensive. Yogi can provide safe drinking water by putting water into clear plastic bottles and drying it in the sun for at least six hours. 

After applying SODIS, Yogi's parents also don't have to buy LPG too often. So family expenses can be reduced. Other people in the village where Yogi and his family live are now also starting to try to implement SODIS to help meet the need for safe drinking water at home. 

Author: Sabinus Doddy (Freelance for Melawi-Sintang Area Programme) 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)