(MISSISSAUGA) 13 March 2017 – In Gujarat India, where 70 per cent of the population faces high water stress, Enactus Ryerson University students created Project Pura, which empowers local “waterpreneurs” to manufacture and sell ceramic water filters, while simultaneously providing a water sanitation education and entrepreneurship program to drive industry growth.
Through Project One Seed, Enactus Lambton College students built a solar power drip irrigation system to provide food security for 800 students in the community of Gaali.
In the African village of Tamda, where the local stream used for washing and bathing is also used for dumping waste, Enactus University of Windsor students developed a water filter using clay and sawdust, which filters 99 per cent of pathogens, to empower local entrepreneurs.
These three Enactus teams have been named 2017 Scotiabank EcoLiving Green Challenge Regional Champions. The teams were picked by Canada’s largest experiential learning platform, Enactus Canada, and program supporter Scotiabank.
“We are continually inspired by the creativity and commitment our students exhibit towards environmental education and awareness,” said Nicole Almond, President of Enactus Canada. “They are a perfect example of how socially-conscious student leaders can and will build a greener Canada and world.”
In only three months, Enactus Ryerson’s Project Pura has filtered 81,000L of water and Indian waterpreneurs are projecting an increase in their monthly household income by 60 per cent.
As a result of Enactus Lambton College’s One Seed, enrollment is up 400 students, children will no longer starve throughout the year and 360,000,000 lbs of waste has been diverted.
Since 2016, Enactus Windsor’s Project Releaf has empowered 5 entrepreneurs to sell water filters and has increased 900 villagers’ access to clean water.
The Scotiabank EcoLiving Green Challenge empowers post-secondary students to develop and deliver projects that teach viable solutions to relevant environmental issues. Since 2010, 6,518 students have helped conserve 24,405,251 litres of water, diverted 168,653,116 pounds of waste and introduced 3,322 organizations to green business practices.
On March 10, student teams demonstrated the impact of their environmental initiatives to panels of business executives as part of the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition – Central Canada, held in Mississauga.
Enactus Ryerson University, Enactus University of Windsor and Enactus Lambton College will now move on to the national level of competition taking place May 9-11 at the 2017 Enactus Canada National Exposition, taking place in Vancouver.
ABOUT ENACTUS CANADA: Enactus Canada, the country’s largest post-secondary experiential learning platform, is shaping entrepreneurial leaders who are passionate about advancing the economic, social and environmental health of Canada. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, more than 2,734 entrepreneurial post-secondary students led 280 community empowerment projects and business ventures last year in communities coast to coast. As a global network of 36 countries, Enactus uses the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. For more information, visit enactus.ca.
ABOUT SCOTIABANK: At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their full potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank’s goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2016, Scotiabank contributed more than $70 million to help our communities around the world.
Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and Asia-Pacific. We are dedicated to helping our 23 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 88,000 employees and assets of $887 billion (as at January 31, 2017), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.
Media Inquiries:
Jennifer Falzon
Director, Marketing & Strategic Growth, Enactus Canada
jen@enactus.ca | 416.304.1566 x222 | 416.315.2099