PlayPumps International's mission is to provide schools and communities throughout Africa with a uniquely sustainable, free supply of clean drinking water. More than one billion people do not have access to clean drinking water and more than two billion people lack adequate sanitation. 6,000 people die everyday, or one every 15 seconds, due to preventable water-related diseases.

It doesn't have to be this way. In an increasing number of communities throughout Africa, sounds of laughter can be heard. Children, boys and girls alike are playing on the merry-go-rounds that are part of the PlayPump® water system. KIDS PLAY. WATER PUMPS!

The PlayPump water system is a children's merry-go-round attached to a water pump, a raised storage tank, an easy-to-use faucet, and four billboards surrounding the tank. While children have fun spinning on the merry-go-round, clean water is drawn from underground into a 660 gallon tank, easily accessible by a simple tap. The system's storage tank features billboards that carry powerful educational, health, and commercial product messages.

The life-changing invention can provide easy access to safe water, lead to improvements in health, education, gender equality, and economic development, and bring joy to children.