OHF Solution Program

Technology improves and increases at a rapid rate. The personal computer now has the power of a mainframe computer in the 1960s! For less than S$2,000, we now have in our hands an amazing tool that would have cost millions a couple of decades ago. Yet in many third world countries, technology has not been used as the people are too poor. S$2,000 is a fortune to a villager in Cambodia. Companies do not invest in technology to help the poor since there is no market for such products, no market in the sense that no one can afford to pay for them. But there is a need, a desperate need to use technology in simple, cost- effective ways that will improve the lives of the poor.

Compost is nature's free fertiliser. Yet many farmers are unaware of how easily they can turn leaves into compost which can improve the yield of their crops. Better, faster and cheaper ways of making compost are needed!

This technology allows farmers to grow crops with much less water. In many parts of the world, the dry season is the hungry season as farmers are unable to grow crops because of the lack of water. Micro Drip may be the solution.

 

Millions of people still uses firewood to cook. A Solar Oven is a cost- effective way to cook and OHF has developed one that can cook rice and roast chicken... all using the heat from the sun!

OHF Solution program provides an opportunity for school students, undergraduates, inventors and employees to develop appropriate technology for use in Third World countries. Our focus is not only on technology but also on simple, elegant solutions with strong emphasis on cost, usability and reliability. Because of our experience in the field we are able to understand the needs of the rural poor in developing countries. As we have people and facilities in the field, we are able to test the solutions, manufacture cheaply and promote its use to the community.

OHF Solution is not just about developing a prototype but provides a solution to a real problem. The solution includes marketing, training, manufacturing and working with partners. To ensure that the product is available and known to as many people as possible. It involves micro banking loans for the purchase of the product.

OHF Solution is about:

• Applying First World Solutions to Third World Problems
• Empowering the poor through student based projects
• Corporate sponsorship with lasting impact

OHF Solution benefits both sides. The students and employees who work on coming up with a solution learns  team work, persistence in pushing for the best solution and  creativity in coming up with ideas for low cost solutions requires out-of-the-box thinking.

HOW IT WORKS

1. OHF presents problem to volunteer team.
2. Team comes up with several solutions and presents them to OHF.
3. OHF approves solution and advises necessary changes.
4. Team work on solution and comes up with prototype for testing.
5. Team visits Cambodia to build units and do actual field tests.
6. OHF Field Staff continues with tests and survey the use by villagers.
7. OHF redesign unit to lower cost and improve design.
8. OHF launches program to introduce product to the villagers – involves manufacturing, marketing, distribution and micro loans.