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I learned about this ingenious invention while at Phinda Rock Lodge in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa. Phinda is run by &Beyond, a luxury safari/vacation company that has always distinguished itself by it’s huge commitment to local communities. The &Beyond guest experience is top-of-the-line luxury, and the give-back relationship with the communities where the lodges reside are inspiring. There are so many projects steered by &Beyond that are dedicated to conservation, education, medical care, cultural preservation, employment, housing, and more. One of the “Ah Ha” projects for me, is the Hippo Roller that the &Beyond folks give to the communities.

You probably already know that fetching potable water can be a daily job that takes hours away from the day of a child or woman–certainly it’s a job prioritized over school or work for economic stability for the family–and it is a job that never ends. If a kid has to walk an hour or two, one way, to a water source, with a gallon plastic jug in each hand, or maybe a five-gallon pickle bucket to drag or balance on top of his or her head for the walk back…that is a morning gone, and perhaps again in the evening. The Hippo Roller is a sturdy, plastic, 24-gallon water barrel with a secure sealing lid and an aluminum handle like a lawnmower that attaches to the sides of the barrel when it is laid on its side. Pushing or pulling the rolling barrel is easier, faster, and increases the amount of water fetched by 4 or 5 times. If a child only has to make a water run once a day, or once every other day, and the family has more than enough water at the home…that child can go to school, or that mother can care more directly for the children or create products for sale for economic stability or otherwise free up valuable time. This simple invention opens up health (sanitation and hydration with enough water), education, and economic health for entire communities.

32,000 rollers have been distributed by NGOs and company partners, like &Beyond, to communities so far, each of them made in South Africa. Hundreds of thousands of people are being helped by a big plastic barrel.

So easy. So intuitive.