What is 1001fontaines?
1001fontaines is a French NGO dedicated to providing lifelong access to safe drinking water for vulnerable populations. Born from the desire to improve health by making clean water available every day, this innovative social enterprise uses low‐cost technology to empower rural communities. The project is built around a pioneering model that unites philanthropy and social entrepreneurship, enabling local communities to produce safe drinking water with minimal expenses. Inspired by Louis Pasteur’s famous remark that “we drink 90% of our diseases,” the organization has been transforming the lives of thousands since 2004… by creating a sustainable water-treatment kiosk system.
Main Benefits and Achievements
- 2004: The project was founded by Chay Lo, a young Cambodian engineer, along with François Jaquenoud and Virginie Legrand, who developed a prototype of a solar-powered water purification micro-factory, known as the Water Kiosk.
- 2005-2007: 11 pilot sites in Cambodia’s Battambang province were launched, serving around sixty villages, while a pilot project in Madagascar began testing the model in contexts of extreme poverty.
- 2008: A successful replication of the model in Madagascar and the launch of the “Water In School” program that provides free drinking water daily in schools.
- 2017: More than 200 Water Kiosks went operational, benefiting over 500,000 people.
- 2018-2019: Expansion with new programs in Vietnam and Myanmar, doubling the number of intervention countries.
- 2023: Over 1,000,000 beneficiaries reached, including 350,000 children.
- 2030: The objective is to become the preferred drinking water solution for vulnerable populations in 5 countries.
A Journey Rooted in History
The history of 1001fontaines is a testament to ingenuity and commitment. The project began in 2004 with the collaboration of Chay Lo, François Jaquenoud, and Virginie Legrand. Their work on a solar-powered water purification micro-factory led to the creation of a model that not only addresses the immediate need of safe drinking water but also long-term community empowerment. With pilots in Cambodia and Madagascar, it has been nearly two decades of deploying solutions and proving that sustainable water access is possible even in areas of extreme poverty. The evolution of the project stands as a reminder that modest beginnings can lead to monumental achievements… all through targeted innovation and local empowerment.
The Water Kiosk Model in Action
At the heart of 1001fontaines is the creation of Water Kiosks – micro-enterprises that produce drinking water at an extremely low cost. These kiosks rely on solar power and affordable water-treatment technology, ensuring that communities can independently produce safe water without dependence on external sources. The model is designed to be self-financing within a few months, demonstrating the powerful alliance between philanthropic efforts and sustainable business practices. This dynamic approach has proven successful across multiple countries, establishing a replicable method wherever safe drinking water is most needed.
Empowering Local Populations
Empowerment is a key pillar of the 1001fontaines model. Local entrepreneurs are not only recruited and trained but are supported for life, ensuring that the impact is sustained over the long term. The organization emphasizes the creation and nurturing of social micro-enterprises, giving communities both the tools and the knowledge to manage their own water resources. Such local ownership dramatically improves the chances of long-term success. Additionally, 20% of daily water production is dedicated to the free distribution of drinking water in schools, ensuring children receive not only the nourishment of education but also the fundamental right to clean water. It’s a simple yet powerful concept that continues to drive change.
Project Expansion and Institutional Support
The expansion of 1001fontaines across countries such as Cambodia, Madagascar, Vietnam, and Myanmar has been instrumental in its success. The project’s sustainable model attracts not just local interest but also the backing of prominent institutional partners like AFD, USAID, Monaco Cooperation, and UNICEF. Their support has allowed the innovative concept to reach growing numbers of beneficiaries while expanding the scope of its impact. Moments of success and notable milestones are celebrated as part of a continuous journey toward a future where safe drinking water is within reach for every vulnerable community.
Impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The Road Ahead
The future is bright for 1001fontaines. With an ambitious target to become the preferred drinking water solution for vulnerable populations in 5 countries by 2030, the project continues to evolve and adapt in response to local needs. Its well-established Water Kiosk system not only delivers clean drinking water but also fosters local enterprise and community resilience. Every step taken by 1001fontaines reinforces the idea that sustainable development is achievable when social entrepreneurship and philanthropy work in harmony. The journey continues—paving the way for more innovations and a healthier, more resilient future for communities around the world.
