On 18 August 2008, the ITT Corporation launched a new philanthropy programme, which includes an initial three-year, US$ 3 million (EUR 2 million) commitment to provide water and sanitation to 300 schools in Asia and Latin America. The programme, ITT Watermark, will be implemented through ITT's strategic partner, the non-profit international development organisation Water for People.

ITT, a global leader in the transport and treatment of water, announced the programme at the World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden. Working with Water for People, ITT Watermark will help bring water and sanitation to remote schools, provide resources to repair existing systems, and assist in the creation of innovative hygiene education initiatives.

In the remainder of 2008, ITT Watermark will support 50 schools, including a number in West Bengal, India. An extra 100 schools will be added to the programme in 2009 and a further 150 in 2010. The school facilities will be managed locally by specially set up water committees, with ITT and Water for People monitoring progress after one year and evaluating the results after three years.

See also: Water Advocates: U.S. WASH-in-Schools initiative

Web sites:ITT Watermark; Water for People

Source:ITT Watermark, 18 Aug 2008

Tags: financing, latin america & caribbean, school sanitation, south asia