JBU Enactus Team Awarded Grant for Guatemala Water Project
SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (March 15, 2013) - John Brown University’s Enactus (formerly known as SIFE) received a $2,000 grant for its Guatemala Water Project, a water purification microenterprise, from the Lowe’s Community Improvement project. Approximately 50 United States Enactus teams were awarded the grant, and successful project implementation will make five of these teams eligible to receive an additional $5,000 grant later this year.
The Enactus team aims to implement a water purification microenterprise through the construction of a health cooperative and expansion of a current student center in Cotzal, Guatemala, a municipality of approximately 20,000 people. Drinking water in Cotzal is currently contaminated with fecal coliform, a waste born bacterium. Ingesting contaminated water often results in illness that requires missing work or school. Clean water will provide better health and quality of life, which will increase work productivity, education, and innovation. As a result of this microenterprise, the Enactus team estimates that an initial 400 families will benefit from clean water and health classes.
Founded in 1957, Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation funds nonprofit organizations and public agencies that support the foundation’s charitable goals. The foundation's primary philanthropic focus centers on K–12 public education and community improvement. Within these areas, Lowe’s Foundation is committed to supporting projects that have the greatest impact on communities and align with the foundation’s core business — home improvement.
John Brown University is a private Christian university, ranked No. 2 overall and No. 1 Best Value among Southern regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report and listed as one of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes. JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 40 states and 39 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
