Nourish International wrote -

Chapter: Miami University of Ohio 

Project Organization: Runa

Project Description:

This year the Miami Nourish Chapter is partnering with Runa in Archidona, Ecuador to implement a clean water filtration system and join local health centers in teaching health and sanitation related topics to two Kichwa communities near Archidona.  The project will reduce the prevalence of preventable illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water and increase awareness of proper sanitation practices, improving the quality of life for community members.

Project Details:

Our project with Runa focuses on four main activities:

1. Working with the local health centers to develop and teach health related topics in the communities, such as proper boiling water procedures and personal hygiene and sanitation practices 

2. Providing a central water filtration center where community members can obtain access to clean water

3. Installing water catchment systems in each home within the community

4. Teaching and training a community member to serve as a public health worker responsible for providing classes and distributing health related information, as well as planning health promotion events in the community 

Project Background:

Runa has two parts to their business model: a for-profit side and a not-for-profit side. The for-profit side buys guayusa tea from local farmers at a fair price, and processes and sells the tea.

Runa’s non-profit foundation, which the Miami Chapter will be supporting, works to maintain and ensure a sustainable business model and agricultural practices in the Amazon regions.