ICT4WASH102: ICT for Water Service Providers

The objective of this course is to build the practical capacity of participants to design and implement appropriate technological solutions for improving the provision of reliable, safe, sustainable, and affordable water and sanitation services.

Senior managers and staff from Water Service Providers (WSPs), humanitarian organizations, non-profits, NGOs, government, and the private sector are invited to collaboratively discuss and learn how new information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be harnessed to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) and improve services provision, customer satisfaction, revenue collection, finances, and asset management.

Ranging from the basics of ICT (hardware, software and networks), to the advanced (Internet of Things (IoT), smart metering, mobile payments, GIS, etc.), participants are exposed to a wide range of technologies already being used in the sector. Case studies examine existing approaches (both which have succeeded and failed so that participants don’t ‘reinvent the wheel’), as well as cutting edge approaches to:

• Mobile payments and billing
• Web-based and mobile fault reporting and data collection
• Mobile-enabled meter reading
• Collecting data automatically, through sensors, AMR/AMI, etc.
• Web-based and mobile mapping of network assets and customers
• Visualizing information collected from the field on an online “dashboard”
• Receiving complaints from customers through SMS, or online
• Sending customers information through SMS or on social media

Module 1 – Introduction to ICT in WASH

This module introduces information and communication technologies and trends, as well as WASH sector and Water Service Provider challenges. It introduces the primary ways in which ICTs can be applied in the WASH sector to solve these challenges.

Module 2 – Tech Deep Dive

Module 2 consists of a thorough overview of topics including mobile data solutions, components of mobile data collection (including mobile devices, mobile data collection clients, data transfer methods, server-side components, and data analysis, management, sharing and visualization), crowdsourcing, internet of things (IoT), Smart Metering and mobile money. 

Module 3 – Principles of Design and Implementation

Throughout Module 3 participants are guided through the various stages of planning, designing, developing, and implementing an ICT solution. This week also provides principles and guidelines needed to move forward with solutions in a sustainable and scalable way.

Module 4 – ICT in Action

Module 4 goes into depth on traditional and ICT-enabled approaches to meter reading, asset and customer registration and mapping, and fault reporting and job tracking. Customer Identification Surveys (CIS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are introduced, as well as mobile-enabled approaches to tracking and resolving customer complaints and faults.

The course is highly interactive, but designed for working professionals so participants can engage with the content and each other at their own pace.

It consists of dynamic self-guided content (text, graphics, videos, articles, papers), case studies, discussion forums and scenario-based exercises. Each week there are one or more live and interactive guest expert presentations and Q&As with leading water and sanitation specialists, researchers, and ICT solutions providers (see past guest experts on the right).

Participants in this course engage in technology demos and practical exercises, testing and using (and even developing) mobile and web-based solutions. These include mobile data collection apps, cloud-based databases, and custom and off-the-shelf mobile and geospatial solutions available on the market.

This course uses the innovative TechPoints system, which allows participants to gain TechPoints based on their participation in the course. When participants gain 100 TechPoints, complete a Final Project, and fill out the course evaluation, they are awarded a Course Certificate.

At the moment, ICT4WASH is only offered only in English, although future runs of this course and future courses will be available in additional languages.

The fee for participation in the one-month course is $200, which helps us cover tutoring and facilitation and platform costs. All payments must be made before the course starts.

Applicants who apply before March 5th, will be given a $50 'early-bird' discount.

Partial scholarships are available for a select number of participants. If you wish to apply for a partial scholarship, please write a 3-paragraph statement describing why you are seeking a scholarship and efforts made to obtain funding from your organization, and send to info@ict4wash.com.

A small number of full scholarships are also available, and preference will be given to applicants from Syria, Yemen, and South Sudan.

For more details or inquiries, please contact us at: info@ict4wash.com

ICT4WASH102 was developed by Wakoma Incorporated, with support from colleagues and partners in East and Southern Africa.

The course uses an innovative and unique online social learning platform developed by TechChange.

Special thanks to United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Coca Cola Foundation of the Water and Development Alliance (WADA) and Global Water Challenge, and Upande, an innovative Nairobi-based social enterprise, for supporting the pilot run of this course in 2017.

In order to obtain a certificate at the end of the course, participants are required to:

• Obtain 100 Points, through engaging with self-guided content, watching live or recorded discussions, and participating in discussion forums.
• Complete a Final Project
• Fill out a course Evaluation

We recommend that participants budget a minimum commitment of 5-7 hours per week, and schedule time for the course around their existing obligations.

In order to get the most out of this course, all participants should obtain access to an Android-based smartphone for at least 1-2 hours per week. If you don’t own this type of device, we recommend checking to see if you can borrow one from a friend or colleague. The device should have WiFi connectivity, and GPS functionality.

“It is a valuable course that has changed my knowledge levels on how ICT can change and improve efficiencies and effectiveness in wash operations and enhance sustainability in the sector.” Gift Monde, Director of Operations, Southern Water and Sewerage Company Limited, Zambia

“The course activities were brilliant idea. They gave you the real feeling of whats happening in the field, as you practice each step its very hard to forget.” Martha Kabuzya, Executive Secretary, Association of Tanzanian Water Suppliers (ATAWAS), Tanzania

"Exciting course...it will make you change your mind about ICT uses in WASH." Mamadou Lamine Diarra, WaterAid, Mali

“This course is an eye opener, kindly colleagues in the water sector please if given a chance this course is can be of much benefit to you as a person and our wsps. We should not say this is for ICT staff only course, I believe everyone in the wsps should update him/herself of what is happening in the sector in matters ICT. This course can uplift wsps to be at bar with others worldwide.” Gilbert Rotich, Technical Manager, Kapsabet Nandi Water and Sanitation Company., Kenya

"Do you seek a places to learn about the current trends in the WASH sector? Go to ICT4WASH." Dr. Osuolale Olayinka, Elizade University, Nigeria

“It is a phenomenal experience on how ICTs can make our lives even easier.” Philip Chilala, Billing Coordinator, SWASCO, Zambia

"As a participant this course is quite enriching as I was exposed to quite a number of issues that affect operations of Water Service Providers beyond my profession. I got to interact with different people from different fields. It was interesting to note that we share quite a number of similar challenges and successes. The best it doesn't require one to be an IT expert to enroll for this course and if you are in the WASH sector this course is for you." Agnes Gunde Mbale, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Lilongwe Water Board, Malawi

“This is an excellent start. the course enables individuals get other peoples /country's experiences and emulates ways of improving their utility. it is globally participated.” Jerusah K. Muhanji, Billing Officer, Narok Water and Sewerage Company Ltd, Kenya

"This elearning course will definitely fit well into your daily schedule hence wont interfere with your day to day activities while ensuring that you earn knowledge on a wide range of topics, and also gives you the chance to participate in an international bench-marking exercise. Go for it." Benard Ondego, Area Manager, Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company Limited, Kenya

“This is a very good course that can give you an idea of sample world wide implemented projects that uses ICT technologies to better Monitor, Manage, develop and sustain the water and sanitation facilities in Third world countries.” Rami Alaryan, ICT Assistant, UNICEF, Sudan

“The course is excellent, content easy to access, discussions and help always there when you are stuck. connecting with other people is easy and activities are properly aligned per week and communicated in advance, talk less of the presentations that are awsome too. I think the whole course experience was more great! If you planning on doin it just do it.” Emmanuel Nyirenda, Billing Specialist, Lukanga Water & Sewerage Company Ltd., Zambia

"An eye opener to efficient & effective ICT solutions for WSPs." Ernest Ronnie Ngaivale, Accountant, Lilongwe Water Board, Malawi

“Definitely I would recommend any future courses to my colleagues, why? simply because its different and unique of the way you guys present and prepare for session, having live demonstration from experts showing what they have done step-by-step and active engagement with participate, to this is more than what I am looking for.” Soheib Elsheikh, ICT Manager, UNICEF, Sudan

“ICT4wash is an encounter required by all wsp in kenya and beyond. It was great to have an idea of what happens around the world in regard to solutions and challenges after interacting with participants from different parts of the world. I enjoyed the facilitation by the wonderful experts who took time to expound on topics covered and answered questions satisfactorily.” Emily Kamiri, ICT Officer, Limuru Water and Sewerage Company Ltd, Kenya

“ICT for WASH is more that just software, it is a good way of developing sustainable solutions for WASH.” Mevazara Rakotoson, Programme Officer, WSUP, Madagascar

“The course was educative, interactive and opener to various ICT tech available for water supply management. ICT4WASH eLearning course for me was the shared benefit of access to the confluence of thoughts, best practices, varied market insights on responsible management of WASH infrastructure.” Ephantus Maina, Technical Services Manager, Muranga Water and Sanitation Company Limited, Kenya