Training of Trainers
This approach to project work means that Lifewater does not merely hire staff or consultants to drill wells, fix hand pumps, or transmit information to those in need. Rather, the goal is to train and equip nationals with the skills needed to access, use, and maintain safe water – and pass these skills along to others. Because our partners take ownership in the process, they are empowered to continue the work long after Lifewater volunteers have returned home.

Volunteerism
Lifewater is a volunteer-based organization. By training and envisioning more than 300 North American volunteers, Lifewater has multiplied its effectiveness and positively impacted communities as home and abroad. Qualified Lifewater volunteers travel overseas to train national partners in water development, hygiene, and sanitation. Not only is this approach highly cost-effective, but it also expands Americans’ worldview through cross-cultural relationships and experiences. It allows many people to get involved and become a part of the solution.

Partnership with Nationals
Lifewater works only works where invited, placing a high emphasis on local initiative. This strategy promotes ownership, which increases the success and sustainability of Lifewater programs within a community. Our partners include organizations, churches, governments, and civic groups around the world. In each partnership, Lifewater uses appropriate and reproducible technologies for each location.

Through providing technical training, equipment, and ongoing support, Lifewater seeks to enhance these national partners’ capacity. We believe that they are the most effective at serving their fellow people. As the partner agency teams are trained, they also learn how to elicit participation at the village level, equipping families and children to maintain their water sources and improve their health. This is the final step in a cycle of multiplication that began with training the U.S.-based volunteers.           

Biblical Holism
Lifewater is committed to meeting both physical and spiritual needs. By embracing a holistic view of human needs, it aims to alleviate suffering and trigger community-wide transformation at all levels. Many partner agencies incorporate Lifewater training with their existing ministries, sharing about God’s love and even planting churches in villages where they do water development. Without discriminating, and in partnership with trained nationals, Lifewater offers both safe water and the love of Christ to all those who thirst.