by Allyson O'Bryant, Student Public Relations Writer
Imagine a life where vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps aren鈥檛 signs of illness 鈥 but part of everyday reality. For millions of people in India and other developing countries, this is life without access to clean water.
That is why Dr. Peter Savard, a 1990 graduate, founder of (Global Water Consortium) and former adjunct professor of nursing at Cedarville University, is focused on providing healthy, clean water worldwide. Through his GWC initiative, Savard has witnessed the crisis firsthand while leading nursing and pharmacy students on three Global Outreach trips to Honduras and India.
鈥淥n one trip we saw 1,000 people in four-and-a-half days, and 75% of those patients were ill because of bad water,鈥 said Savard. 鈥淚鈥檝e read the peer reviews and seen the results myself 鈥 just digging a well or using a straw filter does not guarantee clean water or remove all contaminants. That鈥檚 why I founded GWC Projects.鈥
Using five-stage filtration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light, GWC provides communities with safe, sustainable drinking water. The purification systems are locally operated, with residents receiving four years of training and mentorship before taking over. The initiative not only offers clean water but also empowers people to rebuild their lives 鈥 enabling men to support their families, widows to provide for their children and orphans to have the hope of a future.
The villagers, including Srinama in Nandigama, India, are grateful to have clean water, which has alleviated many of the waterborne illnesses they used to suffer from.
In addition to clean water efforts, GWC extends its mission through emergency response and holistic community care.
During the COVID pandemic, GWC opened three clinics in Kadali, India. Through this initiative, GWC secured oxygen tanks, arranged housing and built beds for the sick. Not a single patient died in those clinics. GWC also delivered food and water to flood victims in Kadali, India, many of whom were stranded on rooftops.
There are several ways to get involved with GWC Projects. Prayers are appreciated, donations can be made through the GWC and updates are available on and , including opportunities for participation.
GWC has seen steady progress, and it is not stopping. With momentum building, the organization is has already started new projects in India and Nepal while preparing to bring its life-changing work to new regions in Kenya and Honduras. For the communities still waiting for clean water and hope, help may soon be on the way.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation鈥檚 top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.