Accra, Ghana, 05 November 2010 – Green Cross International (GCI) Smart Water for Green Schools (SWGS) at the Lake-Side Junior High School in Dambai, Ghana, is being supported by PUREOLOGY Australia and New Zealand. The new project aims to provide clean water and better sanitation to rural communities through local education channels to improve the health and wellbeing of children around the world. This project is part of a global partnership set up in 2009 between GCI, an environmental non-governmental organization, and PUREOLOGY.
When the construction is complete at the Lake-Side school, the rainwater harvesting system and six ecological latrines will provide clean water and sanitation facilities to 500 children, benefiting a local community of around 3,500 people. Hygiene and sanitation education will soon be integrated into the curriculum through specially designed modules.
Existing initiatives, such as the recently completed SWGS project at the D.A. No.1 School in Ghana’s Brong-Ahafo region, have proven the importance of improving water systems. “Since the new facilities were built, 300 more children have come to the school,” said Ntiamoah Comfort, a teacher.
“We have seen great progress in the SWGS initiative since we began the pilot phase earlier this year. Partnering with PUREOLOGY has been key to the success of this programme, which brings drinking water and better sanitation to rural Ghana, encouraging children to attend school and attracting teachers to previously neglected institutions. Communities across Ghana will benefit as we continue to receive support to roll-out the initiative across the country," said Mubarick Masawudu, President of Green Cross Ghana.
“It is with great admiration for the work of Green Cross International that PUREOLOGY Australia and New Zealand have joined together to nurture and support the SWGS programme at Lake-Side Junior High School. SWGS enables children in the school community to have access to clean water and sanitation, as well as education on these areas. By supporting these schools we are taking PUREOLOGY’S water commitment to the community level. We are also explaining to our clients in hair salons how to save water locally,” Mert Eren, PUREOLOGY Australia, Marketing Manager.
A special edition PUREOLOGY-GCI reusable water bottle co-designed with SIGG has been distributed in PUREOLOGY affiliated salons to customers globally. In Australia, with every PUREOLOGY product purchased in salons, $10AUD is donated to the SWGS project and clients receive a complimentary SIGG water bottle.
Salons and clients have the opportunity to directly support the Lake-side School by becoming a PureGreen member online at www.gci.ch/pureology. Today there are currently around 1000 PureGreen members worldwide.
About the Smart Water for Green Schools Project
SWGS was launched by GCI in February 2010 in the Volta Region of Ghana. The project builds reliable and long-lasting rainwater harvesting systems and ecological latrines in schools. It is a cost effective and efficient means to secure water supplies and improve water sanitation for entire school communities. The project also ensures hygiene and sanitation education, as well as construction and maintenance training of the rainwater harvesting systems and latrines. By encouraging exchanges between schools in the same river basins, the project promotes smart water systems and water conservation at the local, national and international levels. Providing water and sanitation services to schools is an important step to engage children and communities in improving their water security and maintaining their roles as guardians of healthy and vital river ecosystems.
About Green Cross International
Green Cross International (GCI) is a leading environmental organisation. Founded by President Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993, this non-profit and non-governmental organisation works to address the inter-connected global challenges of security, poverty eradication and environmental degradation through a combination of high-level advocacy with key international stakeholders, campaigns and local projects. GCI is present in over 30 countries and has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. More information about GCI, follow GCI on twitter @GreenCrossInt and visit www.gci.ch
About Pureology
PUREOLOGY is a professional haircare brand that supports the use of organic botanical ingredients, patented ZeroSulphate formulations and 100% Vegan formulas, with an ethos that promotes integrity and sustainability. Founded in California in 2001, PUREOLOGY has emerged as the pillar professional hair care brand for colour treated hair. It was launched internationally in 2009 with 100% Vegan formulas and packaging comprised of up to 25% post-consumer recycled plastics. Continuing their commitment to the wellbeing of the environment, PUREOLOGY is proud to partner globally with Green Cross International to help foster a more sustainable future. To learn more about PUREOLOGY, please visit www.pureology.com.au
Contact
Green Cross International
Michelle Laug
michelle.laug@gci.ch
+41 22 789 0817