Bringing Clean Water to Communities in Need
The CWS Fellowship Program
The CWS Fellowship Program is a three-week water education and leadership training experience in Northern Region Ghana. The purpose of the fellowship is to teach individuals about the global water crisis, and inspire them to become leaders in the field of international development.
Fellows are grouped in teams of four and paired with a rural community in Northern Region Ghana. Each team works together to raise the fellowship fee before traveling to Africa. On the ground, teams are first trained in water quality testing, and the CWS water treatment methods. They then spend two weeks in the field implementing and monitoring a CWS water business in their village.
Since the start of the Fellowship Program in June 2010, CWS has hosted 61 students and young professionals in Ghana who have implemented water businesses in 15 rural villages, providing permanent sources of safe drinking water for over 8,000 people!
Here's what some of our pasy Fellows had to say about the program:
"I really enjoyed working with CWS! I shared an experience that can't be found with other organizations."
"I felt like we accomplished a lot in a good amount of time, while still being able to enjoy ourselves and enjoy being in Africa."
"The fundraising process was good preparation for how we would be treated as responsible adults during the fellowship."
"This was the greatest experience/opportunity I have been able to partake in, in my life so far and has opened my eyes to so many things about life and has helped push me in the direction of where and what I want to do in the future."
Check out pictures and more stories from past Fellowship Sessions on the CWS Blog!
Are you a Fellow Alum and would like an update on your village? Check out our new monitoring website and read the latest report from your community!
The 2012 Fellowship Program
Next year, CWS is hosting four Fellowship Sessions. The first session will take place this winter from December 27th - January 17th. The second session will take place this spring from April 2nd-23rd. The third session will take place this summer from from June 5th - 26th. The fourth session will take place this fall from October 10th - 31st.
We are currently accepting applications for both the Summer and Fall Fellowship Programs. Applications for the Summer Program are due Monday, March 5th at 5pm EST: Apply now!
Applications for the Fall Fellowship Program will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of Monday, July 30th at 5pm EST. The earlier you apply, the earlier you will be notified if you are accepted into the program, and the more time you will have to fundraise: Apply here!
Thinking of applying but have some questions? Email Sam: sderrick@communitywatersolutions.org. She can also put you in touch with past fellows in your area if you have specific questions about their time working with CWS.