Lab+2

**In Class Question:**
Why did Ron Rivera say the project to build ceramic water filtration units failed, and how did he correct this so the communities continue to build the units properly?

Ron Rivera works for an organization called Potters for Peace that trains potters in third world countries to make ceramic water filtration units. Local potters and surrounding material were used (i.e. clay, sand wood, as well as skills and labour previously embedded in the community). This project is deemed successful; however, it failed in its first 20 years. The ceramic filtration units __did__ eliminate the bacteria from the water but when the organization was invited by NGOs overseas to train potters how to make these units and then left, it created a problem. When the NGO left, potters stopped making filters. Therefore, micro-enterrprises were formed (cheques and balances). This allowed NGOs to leave, while standing micro-enterprises continued to create and sell ceramic water filtration units.

Choose a country on the map 'Design for the Other 90%' at [|**http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/**] and read through the description of the products designed for each country.
 * Tutorial #2 Wiki Questions:**

1. Which product interests you the most, and why? (200 words)

The product that interests me the most is the LifeStraw. Designed by Torben Vestergaard Frandsen, LifeStraw is a personal mobile water-purification tool that turns any surface water into drinking water. It was created in response to waterborne diseases that have killed more than 6,000 people, mainly children. Those living in developing nations do not have easy access to antibiotics, medicine, or other filtration units usually because they are costly. I find it great that LifeStraw offers not only a viable but also feasible way of saving millions from illnesses such as typhoid, diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera.

The lack of clean drinking water is a problem and I believe LifeStraw has become its solution. In the design of LifeStraw, various factors were taken into consideration (i.e. where and who it would be used by). Vestergaard Frandsen designed LifeStraw as a sealed unit that avoids the use of electricity, which does not exist in many third world countries. He chose to use the natural source of sucking that even babies are able to perform. Its affordability and practicality has lead to both health and economic benefits.

2. Which category would interest you to research further for your group project, and why? (100 words)

The category that interests me the most to research is education. It is important in life like our basic need for food, clothes and shelter. Due to the minimal resources available in developing nations, people are less aware about health, government, social and economic issues. They fail to understand its importance and value. Essentially, by providing the means for all kinds of people to receive quality education, it can serve many benefits. Being educated can lead to technological advancements, a better way of living, a meaningful outlook on life, a progressive nation, and enriched society.