SafeSip Straws

The specific problem that SafeSip Straws aims to address is the lack of access to safe drinking water in Tanzania, where 28% of the population, approximately 18.4 million people, do not have access to clean water. This issue is particularly prevalent in rural areas, where water sources are often contaminated with harmful pathogens.

According to the World Health Organization, waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, account for 10% of deaths among children under the age of five in Tanzania. The lack of access to safe drinking water not only affects health, but also has cascading impacts on education and economic productivity. Children who fall ill from drinking contaminated water often miss school, and families may lose income due to healthcare expenses and time spent caring for sick relatives.

Moreover, water scarcity is a significant challenge in Tanzania, with one out of six people lacking access to safe drinking water. In rural areas, people often walk an average of 2 to 3 km daily in search of water from public taps, natural streams, or other sources, carrying heavy containers of about 20 to 25 liters per trip, which is physically demanding and time-consuming.

Globally, the problem of water contamination and lack of access to safe drinking water is also significant. According to the United Nations, 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and over 800 children under the age of five die every day from diarrheal diseases related to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

SafeSip Straws is an innovative solution that addresses the water contamination crisis in Tanzania by enabling rural children to drink directly from natural sources with confidence and safety. Each SafeSip Straw incorporates a three-stage filtration process that includes a particulate filter, a micro-filtration membrane, and an activated carbon layer, which removes 99.99% of harmful pathogens, ensuring every drop of water is safe to drink.

The straws are affordable, priced at just $5 each, making them accessible to low-income families in rural areas. Moreover, each straw has a lifetime of 5 years, which means families can save money in the long run by avoiding the need to purchase single-use plastic bottles.

SafeSip Straws are portable, lightweight, and easy to use. They require no additional equipment or setup, making them ideal for use in rural areas where access to clean water is limited. The straws are made from recycled ocean plastic, which helps to reduce plastic waste and clean up the ocean while addressing the water contamination crisis.

SafeSip Straws offer a unique combination of affordability, performance, and sustainability, making it an attractive solution for addressing the water contamination crisis in Tanzania and beyond. By improving access to clean water, SafeSip Straws can have a positive impact on the health, education, and economic prospects of rural communities in Tanzania.

SafeSip Straws primarily serve the rural communities in Tanzania, where access to safe drinking water is a significant challenge. The target population includes:

1. Children: According to data from the World Health Organization, children under the age of 5 make up approximately 16% of the Tanzanian population, which equates to around 10.5 million children. Many of these children living in rural areas are disproportionately affected by the lack of access to safe drinking water.

2. Families: With an average household size of 5 people in rural Tanzania, the 18.4 million people without access to safe water translate to approximately 3.7 million rural households that could benefit from SafeSip Straws.

3. Women and girls: In Tanzania, women and girls are primarily responsible for water collection in rural areas. Given that 18.4 million Tanzanians lack access to safe water, this means that the solution has the potential to directly impact the lives of millions of women and girls in these communities.

By quantifying the target population, it's clear that SafeSip Straws has the opportunity to serve a significant number of rural Tanzanians, particularly children, families, and women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the lack of access to safe drinking water. This scale of impact demonstrates the significant potential for the solution to create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of these underserved communities.

SafeSip Straws is led by a diverse team with strong ties to the communities they serve in rural Tanzania. The team is well-positioned to deliver this solution due to their proximity to the target population and their deep understanding of the local context.

The Co-Founder and CEO, Faith Kuya, is a social entrepreneur from Arusha, Tanzania, who has extensive experience in developing and implementing community-based development projects. She has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing safe water.

The Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Costantine Edward, is a product designer from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, who has designed several water filtration devices tailored for rural use. His expertise in user-centric design ensures that the solution is well-adapted to the needs of the target population.

The Operational Manager, Vivian Mollel, is a social entrepreneur from Moshi, Tanzania, who has experience working with rural communities to implement sustainable development initiatives. She will play a crucial role in ensuring the solution is effectively distributed and maintained within the target communities.

The Chief Financial Officer, Amani Masawe, is an accountant from Mwanza, Tanzania, who has expertise in managing social enterprise finances and securing funding for community-based projects.

The team's deep ties to the Tanzanian communities, combined with their relevant skills and experiences, make them well-positioned to design, deliver, and scale the SafeSip Straws solution to effectively address the water contamination crisis in rural Tanzania. The team's close collaboration with local stakeholders and end-users will ensure that the solution is tailored to the specific needs and priorities of the target population.

Since January 2023, SafeSip Straws has made significant progress in transitioning from the prototype stage to becoming an established solution in rural communities in Tanzania.

To date, we have manufactured 3,560 SafeSip Straws and have successfully sold them in the Dodoma region of Tanzania. Our team has worked closely with local community leaders, schools, and healthcare providers to distribute the straws and educate end-users on their proper use and maintenance.

Through this initial pilot phase, we have gained valuable insights into the needs and preferences of our target population. Based on user feedback, we have refined the design of the straws to optimize their performance and ease of use, ensuring they are well-suited for the specific challenges faced by rural communities.

Our strong partnerships with local organizations, including the Dodoma Water and Sanitation Authority and the Dodoma Regional Health Management Team, have been instrumental in establishing the distribution channels and building trust within the communities we serve.

Additionally, we have secured $32,000 seed funding from Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V., which has enabled us to scale up our manufacturing capacity and strengthen our operational infrastructure. This investment has also allowed us to expand our reach to additional rural areas in Tanzania, with plans to serve at least 10,000 households by the end of 2024.

With an established customer base, a consistent approach to delivering the solution, and the necessary funding and partnerships in place, SafeSip Straws is now poised for further growth and expansion within Tanzania and potentially into other countries facing similar water contamination challenges.

SafeSip Straws is applying to Solve primarily to access the comprehensive mentorship and support program that the initiative offers. As a growing social enterprise, we face a variety of challenges that we believe the Solve network and resources can help us overcome.

Firstly, we are seeking guidance and expertise from established industry leaders and subject matter experts to help us refine our business model, strengthen our operational capabilities, and develop effective strategies for scaling our solution. The hands-on mentorship and coaching provided by the Solve program would be invaluable in helping us navigate the complexities of expanding our reach within Tanzania and potentially into other countries.

Additionally, we are interested in leveraging Solve's extensive network of partners and collaborators to forge new strategic alliances. These partnerships could provide us with access to complementary technical expertise, legal support, and market insights that would be crucial in overcoming barriers to growth and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our solution.

While access to funding is certainly important, our primary focus is on the non-monetary support that Solve can provide. We believe that the program's emphasis on building capacity, fostering innovation, and facilitating meaningful connections with a diverse community of problem-solvers would be instrumental in helping us achieve our ambitious goals of improving access to safe drinking water for rural Tanzanians.

By participating in the Solve program, we hope to gain the necessary knowledge, resources, and collaborative opportunities to accelerate the impact of SafeSip Straws and ultimately serve as a model for other communities facing similar water contamination challenges.

What makes the SafeSip Straws solution innovative is its unique approach to addressing the water contamination crisis in rural Tanzania. Traditional water filtration solutions often require additional infrastructure, such as water pumps or storage tanks, which can be costly and challenging to implement in remote communities. In contrast, SafeSip Straws provide a portable, affordable, and user-friendly way for individuals to access safe drinking water directly from natural sources.

The three-stage filtration process incorporated into each straw is a significant improvement over existing water purification methods. By combining a particulate filter, a micro-filtration membrane, and an activated carbon layer, SafeSip Straws are able to remove 99.99% of harmful pathogens, ensuring that every drop of water is safe to drink. This level of performance is rarely seen in low-cost, portable water filtration devices.

Furthermore, the use of recycled ocean plastic in the manufacturing of SafeSip Straws not only addresses the water contamination problem but also contributes to the larger issue of plastic pollution. By repurposing waste materials, the solution aligns with the principles of a circular economy and can serve as a model for other sustainable product development initiatives.

The affordability and accessibility of SafeSip Straws have the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. By making safe drinking water accessible to rural households, the solution can have a ripple effect on public health, education, and economic opportunities within these communities.

If scaled successfully, SafeSip Straws could set a new standard for water filtration solutions, inspiring other innovators to develop similarly affordable, portable, and environmentally-conscious products that can be distributed to underserved populations around the world.

The theory of change behind the SafeSip Straws solution is based on the premise that improving access to safe drinking water can have a profound and far-reaching impact on the health, education, and economic well-being of rural communities in Tanzania.

The core activity of the SafeSip Straws solution is the distribution and use of the portable water filtration straws in rural households and schools. These straws, equipped with a three-stage filtration process, remove 99.99% of harmful pathogens, enabling users to safely drink directly from natural water sources.

The immediate output of this activity is that rural children, families, and women and girls can access clean, safe drinking water more easily and consistently. This, in turn, leads to several key outcomes:

1. Reduced incidence of waterborne diseases: Studies have shown that access to safe water can lead to a 25-75% reduction in the prevalence of diarrheal diseases, a leading cause of child mortality in Tanzania.

2. Improved health and well-being: By reducing the burden of waterborne illnesses, the solution can contribute to better overall health, growth, and development, especially among children.

3. Time savings for water collection: With easy access to safe water, women and girls can spend less time and effort on the physically demanding task of water collection, freeing up their time for other activities such as education and income-generating opportunities.

4. Increased school attendance and performance: Healthier children who do not miss school due to waterborne illnesses can focus better on their studies, leading to improved educational outcomes.

By addressing the root cause of water contamination, the SafeSip Straws solution has the potential to catalyze a cascade of positive impacts that can transform the lives of rural Tanzanians, lifting them out of the cycle of poverty and creating more equitable and sustainable communities.

The primary impact goal of SafeSip Straws is to significantly improve access to safe drinking water for 500,000 rural Tanzanians by 2027. This will be achieved through the large-scale distribution and use of our affordable, portable water filtration straws in underserved communities.

To measure our progress towards this goal, we are monitoring the following key indicators:

1. Number of SafeSip Straws distributed: We aim to distribute at least 100,000 straws per year, starting from our current base of 3,560 straws sold.

2. Percentage of target population reached: We will track the number of rural households and schools that have adopted the use of SafeSip Straws, aiming to reach at least 25% of our target population by 2025 and 50% by 2027.

3. Reduction in waterborne disease incidence: By collecting data from local health clinics, we will measure the decline in the prevalence of diarrheal diseases and other waterborne illnesses in communities using SafeSip Straws. Our goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in the incidence of these diseases by 2027.

4. Time savings for water collection: We will conduct surveys to assess the amount of time women and girls spend on water collection before and after the introduction of SafeSip Straws. Our target is to free up at least 2 hours per day for these activities.

5. Increase in school attendance and performance: We will monitor school attendance and academic performance data in communities using SafeSip Straws, aiming to see a 20% improvement in attendance and a 15% increase in test scores by 2027.

By closely tracking these key indicators, we can continuously evaluate the impact of our solution and make data-driven decisions to optimize our approach and maximize the benefits for rural Tanzanians.

The core technology behind the SafeSip Straws solution is a multi-stage water filtration system that effectively removes harmful pathogens and contaminants from natural water sources. This filtration process is achieved through the integration of three key components:

1. Particulate Filter: The first stage of the filtration process utilizes a physical barrier to capture larger particles, debris, and sediment present in the water. This ensures that the subsequent stages are not clogged or overwhelmed by coarse materials.

2. Micro-Filtration Membrane: The second stage employs a semi-permeable membrane with microscopic pores that are designed to block the passage of bacteria, protozoa, and other microorganisms, while allowing clean water to flow through.

3. Activated Carbon Layer: The final stage of the filtration system utilizes activated carbon to adsorb and remove a wide range of chemical contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds, further purifying the water.

The combination of these three filtration stages, each targeting different types of contaminants, allows the SafeSip Straws to achieve a removal rate of 99.99% for harmful pathogens, meeting or exceeding the World Health Organization's standards for safe drinking water.

Importantly, the filtration technology used in the SafeSip Straws is designed to be effective, low-cost, and easy to use, making it accessible to rural communities in Tanzania. The straws are also engineered to be durable and long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 6 months with proper care and maintenance.

By leveraging this innovative filtration technology, the SafeSip Straws solution aims to empower rural Tanzanians to take control of their water security and improve their overall health and well-being.

The SafeSip Straws solution team currently consists of 7 members:

Full-time staff:

• Co-Founder and CEO: Faith Kuya
• Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer: Costantine Edward
• Operational Manager: Vivian Mollel
• Chief Financial Officer: Amani Masawe

Part-time staff:

• Product Designer: Juma Omari
• Community Engagement Coordinator: Esther Mlay
• Supply Chain Specialist: Rashid Khamisi

The SafeSip Straws solution has been in development for 18 months. The co-founders, Faith Kuya and Costantine Edward, first conceived the idea in early 2022 after witnessing the challenges faced by rural communities in Tanzania regarding access to clean drinking water.

Over the past year and a half, the team has worked diligently to design the product, test and refine the filtration technology, establish partnerships with local organizations, and begin the manufacturing and distribution of the SafeSip Straws in the Dodoma region. This initial pilot phase has provided valuable insights that have shaped the ongoing evolution and scaling.

At SafeSip Straws, we are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. Our co-founders, Faith Kuya and Costantine Edward, have prioritized this as a core tenet of the organization from the outset.

Our current team of 7 members is gender-balanced, with 4 women and 3 men. We have also prioritized the inclusion of individuals from diverse socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, with team members ranging from rural community members to professionals with advanced degrees.

To further strengthen our diversity and inclusivity, we have implemented the following measures:

1. Inclusive hiring practices: Our job postings explicitly encourage applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups. We also ensure that our interview panels are diverse to mitigate the risk of bias.

2. Capacity-building and mentorship: We provide ongoing training and mentorship opportunities to help team members, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, develop their skills and professional networks.

3. Flexible work arrangements: We offer flexible work hours and remote work options to accommodate the diverse needs and responsibilities of our team members, particularly women and caregivers.

4. Fostering a welcoming culture: We have established clear policies and processes to address any instances of discrimination or harassment, and we encourage open dialogue and feedback to continuously improve our work environment.

By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we believe we can better understand the needs of our target communities, develop more effective solutions, and create a more just and sustainable future for all.

The core of the SafeSip Straws business model is to provide an affordable, accessible, and sustainable solution for rural Tanzanian households to access safe drinking water.

Our primary customers are rural households, schools, and community health centers in the Dodoma region of Tanzania. We offer the SafeSip Straws, a portable water filtration device, at a price of $5 USD per unit. This price point is designed to be within the financial reach of our target customers, many of whom live on less than $2 per day.

Importantly, each SafeSip Straw has a lifespan of up to 5 years with proper care and maintenance, making it a cost-effective investment for rural families. By keeping the price low and the product durable, we can ensure that the solution is widely accessible, even to the most marginalized communities.

To generate revenue, we primarily sell the SafeSip Straws directly to rural households, schools, and health centers, leveraging our partnerships with local organizations to establish distribution channels and build trust within the communities we serve. We have also explored alternative revenue streams, such as bulk orders from local governments and NGOs, to further scale our impact.

By the end of 2023, we anticipate generating approximately $15,000 in revenue from the sale of 3,000 SafeSip Straws. This revenue will be reinvested into the business to support ongoing manufacturing, distribution, and community engagement efforts, as well as the development of new product innovations.

Our business model is designed to be sustainable and scalable, with the ultimate goal of making safe drinking water readily available to all rural Tanzanians. As we continue to expand our reach and refine our operations, we believe the SafeSip Straws solution can become a self-sustaining, high-impact model for addressing the global water crisis.

At SafeSip Straws, our plan for achieving financial sustainability is a multi-pronged approach that combines revenue generation, strategic partnerships, and long-term funding sources.

Revenue Generation:
The cornerstone of our financial strategy is the sale of our SafeSip Straws water filtration devices directly to rural households, schools, and community health centers. As mentioned earlier, we have set the price at $5 per unit, which has been validated through market research as affordable and accessible for our target customers. To date, we have generated $15,000 in revenue from the sale of 3,000 SafeSip Straws, demonstrating the viability of this revenue stream.

Strategic Partnerships:
In addition to direct sales, we are actively pursuing partnerships with local governments, non-profit organizations, and international development agencies to secure bulk orders and expand our distribution network. For example, we have already secured a contract with the Dodoma Regional Authority to supply 5,000 SafeSip Straws to schools in the region, representing an additional $25,000 in revenue.

Long-term Funding:
To support our long-term growth and sustainability, we are exploring a diverse range of funding sources, including grants, impact investment, and crowdfunding. We have already received a $51,000 grant from the Tanzania Social Enterprise Development Fund, which has enabled us to scale our manufacturing capabilities and strengthen our operational infrastructure.

By combining these revenue streams, strategic partnerships, and long-term funding sources, we are confident in our ability to achieve financial sustainability and continue expanding the reach and impact of the SafeSip Straws solution in rural Tanzania.