1001fontaines is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that provides access to safe drinking water in rural areas of developing countries like Cambodia, Madagascar, Vietnam, and Myanmar. It uses a decentralized model of “water kiosks” that are run by trained local entrepreneurs, ensuring both social and financial sustainability. These kiosks produce and distribute affordable, safe water, with free water also provided to schools to improve children’s health and education.

How it works

• Local entrepreneurs: 1001fontaines partners with and trains local entrepreneurs to operate the water kiosks, which helps them create a sustainable micro-enterprise.
• Affordable water: The entrepreneurs sell safe drinking water at a low price, often to be delivered in reusable 20-liter bottles, balancing affordability for consumers with profitability for the business.
• Sustainable model: The model is designed to be sustainable by setting up local entities that function as a franchising organization, providing support in exchange for a percentage of revenue.
• School program: A “Water in School” program provides free, safe water to primary schools, aiming to improve children’s health and attendance.
• Technical and logistical support: The local entrepreneurs receive ongoing support for maintenance, training, and logistics from the central organization, ensuring the long-term success of the kiosks. 

Impact

• Health and education: By providing safe drinking water, the organization helps reduce waterborne diseases and improves children’s health and educational outcomes.
• Economic development: It creates local jobs and supports local economies by empowering entrepreneurs to run their own businesses.
• Sustainability: The social franchise model aims for financial self-sufficiency so the projects can continue and expand in the long run. 

Geographic reach

• Established presence: Cambodia and Madagascar
• Pilot projects: Myanmar and Vietnam
• Future plans: Also exploring potential projects in Nepal.