Background and Objective
The world is changing rapidly, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Currently, only 21% of Ghanaians have access to basic sanitation and 12% lack access to at least basic drinking water. This means that about 23.7 million Ghanaians defecate in the open or use unimproved toilets. Moreover, climate change threatens the sustainability of WASH infrastructure in the nation. Rural households in Ghana confront substantial obstacles when accessing WASH solutions that are affordable, functional, climate-resilient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable.
To address our water, sanitation and hygiene challenges effectively, we need experts and highly motivated problem-solvers, innovators, students, and researchers who can think critically and innovatively to produce socially relevant and technically sound solutions. To achieve this, we invite highly motivated groups to participate in the RWESCK WASH innovation challenge aimed at simulating innovation through participatory design and thinking exercises to produce a solution guided by environmental and social sustainability principles and ethics.
Thematic Areas
Environmental Sanitation Systems (Solid and Liquid Wastes)
Water and Wastewater Pollutants Remediation
Artificial Intelligence for detecting Leakages in pipe systems
Reducing Non-Revenue Water
Adaptation Pathways to Climate-Resilient WASH Infrastructure
Water Quality Monitoring
Who can Apply
We seek a team of 3-5 motivated students (with at least one female) in water, sanitation, and hygiene-related disciplines at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels.
How to Apply
Interested teams should submit
- A concept note of the team idea. The concept note must address the following
- Clear title of the proposal
- The problem being addressed
- Why the solution is unique
- Estimated budget for implementing the idea
- Two-page resumes of the team members via e-mail to rwesck@knust.edu.gh, along with a thoughtful motivation letter.
Application Evaluation Process
The evaluation process for all submissions will include the following steps;
- Meeting evaluation deadline
- Performance at presentation by shortlisted applicants
- Potential of innovation
- Performance at design thinking workshop
- Implementation of work plan for innovation
Relevant Timelines
- Application deadline: 15th May 2024
- Screening and shortlisting: 16th May 2024
- Presentation by shortlisted applicants: 23rd – 24th May 2024
- Selection of top ten (10) innovations: 24th May 2024
- Workshop on design thinking: 10th – 12th June 2024
- Final selection of top five (5) innovations: 12th June 2024
For any further enquiries, kindly contact the Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre Kumasi (RWESCK), Office line:Â +233548079278
