Once walking through the entrance there was even a bigger surprise, a GIANT castle wall!, we were standing in a moat! A moat is a body of water surrounding a castle for protection against attack. After the time of this castle, the moat was filled and peasants moved in. They have been settled here ever since, with the area of Vizianagaram growing around them not much has changed in this community, Until now. Asian Aid has put this community in a development program starting with a water source.

Jim Rennie(CEO) of Asian Aid was explaining to us the reason behind their water
sponsorship with this particular village was Women and children being killed while trying to cross the busy street in search of water. After hearing the many tragedies that had taken place in this community Asian Aid decided to take action and install a well with-in this communities boundary to keep the women and children safe from the busy street.

It was a humbling and incredible experience meeting everyone and learning of their past. My wife recently wrote a saying on a piece of paper for me  and told me to hang it in my room so it was the first thing I read in the morning when I awoke, it read;

inform.guide.enlighten  

       Knowing from the many hours of research and time spent in the area of water development. We found quickly that just providing a water source plus purification would not be enough. Studies have shown that nearly 90% of at source Bio-sand filters alone have failed within the first year of use. Why, is this? Why is such an effective technology that has been used for over 200 years failing? Simply put, lack of education. We found that people are not being trained properly with the technology they are given. Imagine, if a man came to your house and gave you a rocket ship, but never trained you how to use it? Could you fly? Probably not. Water technology and sanitation is not much different. Matter of fact, 9 times out of 10 it is unsuccessful due to failure to educate users properly. Realizing this we knew that we had to create something better, something that would last, and something that would effectively change the problems at hand, But how? How is one company going to change something so great, plus change a mind set that has been practiced for thousands of years? Our answer; “By joining efficient technology, with in-depth education, taught by people of the same culture”. HiDera has on staff an education team that consist of five levels; Surveyor, Core Teacher, Field Teacher, Field Coach, and Zone Interns. Every one of these positions plays a crucial role in what we do. Daily they study, learn and plan effective ways to make our technology and sanitation work. Our courses on sanitation,water, and filtration systems are taught over a three year period allowing us to effectively train and educate the people who need it most. With this HiDera  can confidently say that our solutions work. Our team is dedicated  to make a change, with your help and support we know this is possible. Join us today by sharing your ideas, spreading the word, and donating to the cause. Because alone we are nothing, but together we are everything.

Nearly 135km from one of India’s largest seaports (Visakhapatnam), We have broken ground on our first large scale water filtration system. This system will provide clean and safe drinking water to the entire Sunrise Orphanage. After doing other projects with Asian Aid, they have decided the HiDera system will help the Sunrise Home not only be more self sustaining, but also keep the children healthier, enabling them to focus more on school and just being kids. Wally Marienau (Director of technology) created quite an amazing solution, to something that is much needed in a place like the Sunrise Orphanage. Coming from ideas dating back almost 200 years ago then “fusing” them with new technology he was able to create the “Fuse Filter™. The Fuse Filter™ will produce 1700 gallons of healthy water every 24 hour period. One of the most exciting features of this design is every drop of water that enters the campus will be filtered! This means showers, garden hoses and taps will have safe water. Understanding that kids will be kids this was important knowing that no matter where they get water on the campus they will be safe. We will be posting updates as we take this amazing journey. Please join us and continue to follow our mission in search of the best solutions providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Education to the ones who need it most.