Just days ahead of World Water Day 2021, Maji Buckets have won the Best Awareness Campaign Award by International Humanitarian City during its annual members global meeting 2021.
As soon as the pandemic struck the African continent, we pivoted our plans, priorities and operations to address the most pressing threat faced by those we serve. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 3 billion people lack access to a handwashing facility with water and soap at home. This meant an enormous risk of the spread of COVID-19 across the region. At Project Maji, we swiftly developed the Maji Bucket: a low-tech, foot-operated handwashing station to curb the spread of bacteria.
Next, in partnership with water warrior Mina Guli, we launched an incredibly successful awareness campaign from our Dubai office, #Sweat4Soap, which encouraged runners in the UAE and beyond to run for access to hand hygiene. Together with runners from over 40 countries we logged more than 68,000 kilometers, gaining 42 million social media impressions. Through #Sweat4Soap, we raised funds for 450 Maji Buckets to be deployed in 90 communities reaching a total of 75,000 people. Moreover, Maji Buckets created inclusive employment opportunities for people of determination at Ghana Federation of Disability Organization.
Approximately 100 members and guests from member organizations came together physically and virtually to attend the annual event. Other recognition awards that IHC distributed to its members include "Best Innovative Solution", "Best SDGs-focused Project/Initiative" and "Best Covid-19 Response". We are honored to have been declared the winners in the "Best Awareness Campaign" category.
Watch the special edition of IHC video magazine featuring winners at the MGM Awards 2021:
Expressing his gratitude over being presented with this award, our Founder and CEO, Sunil Lalvani said:
Its our great pleasure to have won this award. We are new members of the IHC, and having been declared winners amongst so many great projects is truly a matter of great pride for the entire Project Maji team."
This is Project Maji's second award in the region. In 2019, we were presented with Sheikh Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Water Award under the "Innovative Research and Development” category. We believe this is only the beginning of a very exciting journey as a registered charity in the UAE and a new member of the International Humanitarian City. Onwards and Upwards!