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2012 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF GREEN AFRICA: Sustainability, Green Building & CleanTech GreenAfricaConference.com

Come to the Gambia and participate in Sante Natural's first annual conference on Sustainable Development & Green Technology. Lectures, demos, discussions and hand-on building projects.

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OUR MISSION

To help build healthy and sustainable

communities.

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the Green Sewage system

In 2010, Sante Natural began teaching rural communities in Senegal how to build banana septics. These septics safely digested sewage, thus preventing contamination, and turned it into bananas. Now Sante Natural is working on expanding this program to urban communities in the Gambia

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BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Picture of the WeekChildren playing along an open sewage canal.Click here
Find out how we make a difference Learn about the communities we work in and meeting the locals. Browse through project pictures and check out us at work. Click here.
Become a volunteer Sante Natural is always looking for inviduals who are passionate about making a difference and working with our organization. Check out our volunteer page to learn more about volunteering in the Gambia or in one of our US or UK offices.
About us

Where we work......

Our values

No Wasteful SpendingSome non-profits buy fancy cars, bring large teams of foreign labor to complete projects or expensive technology. We keep things simple, stream lined, and cost-effective. We avoid hotels and live among the communities, use local public transportation when possible, and employ local labor. This approach cuts costs so that more can be spent on the projects themselves, and helps us to form closer relationships in the communities where we work.
Community Empowerment and Self-sufficiency. Our projects also concentrate on empowering communities to learn, sustain and replicate the projects that we create so that not only do community members feel like the projects are something they have worked to achieve, but also they have the education to maintain and continue them without supervision or help.
Environmental and Cultural SustainabilityAll of our projects emphasize both environmental and cultural sustainability. We focus on projects that are eco-friendly and that create not only healthy people, but healthy environments. Several examples of this include: water tanks that support sustainable water harvesting and that help to fight against ground water depletion, and banana septics that naturally(without chemicals), protect against water contamination and eutrophication. We also focus on culturally sustainable projects. Cultural sustainability means that not only do we respect local customs and procedures during the project, but also design projects that are appropriate and functional within a local context

London

New York

Senegal & The Gambia

Boulder CO

More about us

How it BeganWhile traveling and studying in Senegal, Bianca Griffith, Sante Naturals president, became involved in a small village called Mbam where she worked with a village doctor named Ndiouma to document the regions medicinal plants. She discovered that even though Ndiouma treated between 30 and 40 patients a day during the wet season, he worked out of a small earth room with no windows. This simple hut was not only his clinic but also his bedroom which he shared with his brother. Inspired by his work and with her new found appreciation for traditional medicine she raised money and used it to build the regions first traditional health clinic. From this endeavor Sante Natural was born.Why it was named "Sante Natural"Sante Naturals is focused on addressing community health problems in a sustainable and natural way. The is name half french (Sante which means health) and half English. The name reminds us that our future success may best be met by bringing together the expertise and wisdom of both the modern Western world and traditional communities. The organization focuses on employing local, natural, forms of disease prevention and treatment. This is support by Western information and research methods.

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We our Donors

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Help support us

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Village Health Manual

Make a donation and your name willl be added into the acknowledgements page of every village health manual

Donation opportunities coming soon

Help provide become healthy, self relient, and sustainable by teaching locals and implamenting banana sewage systems.

Donation opportunities coming soon

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Conference on Sustainable Development & Green Technology

Help us make a conference on sustainable development and green technology possible in the Gambia.

Donation opportunities coming soon

Our commitments to you:

No Wasteful SpendingSome non-profits buy fancy cars, bring large teams of foreign labor to complete projects or expensive technology. But we keep things simple, stream lined, and cost-effective. We avoid hotels and live among the communities, use local public transportation when possible, and employ local labor. This approach cuts costs so that more can be spent on the projects themselves, and helps us to form closer relationships in the communities where we work.
TransparencyWe feel that transparency is key. At the end of every year we will post an annual report outlining our projects, as well as spending. This helps our members keep up to date on our activities and ensures that we are functioning as efficiently as possible.
Donor Recognition We highly appreciate our donors and value their contrabution to our work. Without donor support our projects would not be possible. We list our donors in our quarterly newsletter and on our webite. For some projects we do more, if you donate to our village health manual our name will be added to the last page of each book printed.
Get Involved

We need your help, Get involved.

DonateDonations are an essential part of our success. In communities where most people are living on less than $2/day, any donation can have a significant impact. We use donations to invest in programs and projects that help create deep sustainability and health. This significantly helps many communities improve their quality of life. Visit our donation page to find our more about how to help make a difference. Click here.
VolunteerVolunteering is an exciting and fun way to get involved at Sante Natural. Volunteer in the US, UK, Carribean or Africa. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from helping at our events, to getting hands practice with our green building and educational projects. To find out more use the contact form below and tell us about yourself, why you want to volunteer, where, when and what type of volunteering you are interested in.
Become a memberShow your support for community health and become a Sante Natural member. Membership has many benefits including - Receiving special updates on current projects- Quarterly newsletter including summaries of any new research findings- Special VIP invitations to Sante Natural events, discounted conference passes and service trips.- Unique volunteer opportunities

Become a member today

For only $5 a month, join now Benefits: - Support our projects and make a difference - Get our quarterly newsletter - Be first to hear about trips, and volunteering opportunities - Get special VIP invitations and discounts to events - more......

Get a annual membership and we'll upgrade you to premium status.

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Our Work

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Our Work

We believe that our work must aim to achieve three criteria, we call them the 3 L's:-Local: The project must be locally focused. It must not only focus on local needs, but it must also aim to use local labor and local resources. - Learning: Our programs aim to focus on involving local communities in learning about how the projects are completed so that they can do them themseves- Long Lasting: We focus on projects that can make a significant impact on communities and that have long lasting impacts, even once the immediate project has been completed. This is another reason we focus on teaching, so that local have the knowlege to continue without us.

sewage problem

In many regions of Africa communities lack proper sewage disposal

The current problem: Many families allow toilets to drain straight into the ground without any form of filtration, or pipe sewage into public canals. The waste that drains into the ground causes ground/well water contamination and water piped into canals also become a source of disease and smell.

banana septic

A Sustainable Solution to Sewage The Banana Septic

How it works:Sewage is piped into a container containing banana plants that use the waste as nutrients. The waste is broken down by the plants into minerals which it consumes and the moisture eventually evaporates through the leaves.Our work: We work together with villagers to build demonstration public toilets to help teach the community about the technology and about good sanitation practices. This not only allows them to implement the technology themselves but creates new green jobs.The villagers are able to see the fruits of their labor not only in the fruits that the plants produce, but in a cleaner and safer environment.

water problem
The current problem:Through out Africa, many villages use wells as a primary source for water. This poses several problems, the first is that the water may be either contaminated or poor quality and when consumed can cause diseases. The next problem is that people over use the wells, causing ground water depletion and forcing villages to dig deep wells every several years.

In many African villages wells are the primary souce of water, but offer poor quality water and are over used, causing ground water depletion

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Creating a natural source of water Rainwater Catchment Tanks

Losing TM
Around much of the the world traditional medicine is still used and according to the WHO in some countries 80% of the population still relies on traditional medicine for primary care. However, local doctors are undersupported and wisdom is being lost. In rural Senegal, one traditional doctor treated 30-40 patients a day from his 10sq foot mud hut bedroom, which he shared with his brother.

Around the world much of the wisdom of traditional medicine is being lost and medicinal plants wiped out

Traditional medicine

Supporting local traditional medicine practices Research, documentation and clinic construction

Sante Natural works in communities with strong traditions of traditional medicine practice, to help support local doctors in their practice, as well as the preservation of knowledge and conservation of local plants. We help research and document the use of traditional medicines and plants. We also help build village clinics for doctors to practice from and use as sites to plant medicine gardens.

Long lasting solutions

We believe that projects are more than just building, we believe that they must be based on teaching communities to be self relient for the future.

Watch the project video

Project photos

GTSE: Green Technology, Saintation & EntrepreneurshipSante Natural educates local villagers how to build and maintain simple systems, such as banana septics and water catchment tanks. These technologies provide cheaper, cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional septics and wells.Through demonstration projects, villagers are able to come participate in construction, learn about and receive information the technologies, and take home what they have learned to their own families
Banana Septics and Urban Green SewersSante Natural is working together with US engineering firm, Whole Water, and local Gambian environmental representatives to design and implement a green sewage system for impoverished urban communities to locally, safely and sustainably treat waste. It will be based on our previous work with banana septics.

Supporting local traditional medicine practicesSante Natural works with local communities that have a strong traditional medicine culture to help research and document practices, as well as support conservation of medicinal plants and preservation of its use.
The Village Health HandbookMany rural communities lack access to proper health care facilities and basic knowledge of disease prevention and treatment. Sante Natural is working together with local specialists to design a health handbook that uses simple images and language that can be universially understood to communicate key information on: Sanitation, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Family Planning and Sexual Health, and First Aid.

Our team

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Our TEAM!

Check out our US and UK based team. We a are young team and passionate about making a difference around the world. We bring together a wide diversity of background and knowledge to help develop innovative and sustainable solutions to poverty and create health communities for the future.

Bianca

BIANCA GRIFFITH

BIANCA GRIFFITHFounder and executive director of Sante Natural, Bianca Griffith became concerned about the struggles of the third world at a young age through international travel with her family. At only 17 traveled to Senegal to live and study sustainable development. While she was there she was touched by locals who were so generous with the little they had. She also whitnessed other larger charities at work which neglected the local culture and wasted valuable funds. While she was there she also designed and built the first ever traditional health clinic in Mbam, which aimed to both meet local health care needs and preserve the disapearing traditional of local medicine. Upon her return to the US she founded Sante Natural and began to build a wider vision for creating sustainable improvement in living around the world. Today, she lives in London, UK but continues her work and strives to create self-relient, healthy and sustainable communities.
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SUNA

SUNA AKYUZ

SUNA AKYUZSuna Akyuz joined Sante Natural while studying in Paris, France after receiving a Bachelors in International Studies from Fordham University. There she and Bianca Griffith, the founder of Sante Natural, started planning the organizations mission and dreaming about its future in tiny Parisian cafés. A native New Yorker, and a firm believer in becoming the change you seek, today, Suna continues to work for Sante Natural as the United States representative.

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HEESEO 'RAIN' KWON

HEESEO 'RAIN' KWONRain discovered her interest in sustainable development from the work experiences at many development firms such as Green Cities Asia Ltd, Metropolitan Architecture Planning (MAP) Group, and Seoul Development Institute (SDI). Being around professionals who are passionate about solving environmental issues around the world inspired her to expand her previous interest in property development to sustainable development.WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY UP TO?"Right now, I am studying BSc Urban Planning, Design and Management at University College London. I found Sante Natural's student-led innovation highly attractive and is enthusiastic about getting her hands on the projects at developing countries."

ARI

ARINOLA 'ARI' AKINYEMI

ARINOLA 'ARI' AKINYEMI 19 years of age, Ari enjoys anything sweet, most particularly KitKat Chunkies and has a love for music and cinema. However shes not a fan of flies, mosquitoes and other buzzy creepy crawlies!HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN VOLUNTARY WORK BEFORE?I have previously done various types of voluntary work: from charity drama productions, and fundraiser events to community sport leadership award scheme (CSLA) teaching local youngsters how to play team sports.

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ROSIE BAILEY STEVENSON

ROSIE BAILEY STEVENSONAfter developing a keen interest for the built environment, largely after several trips to America, Rosie found herself at University College London studying BSc Urban Planning, Design and Management. Sustainable development is a new interest that she is eager to extend and has been offered an opportunity to do so through Sante Natural.WHAT IS IT THAT ATTRACTED YOU TO WORK WITH SANTE NATURAL?I was really impressed by the work already completed by Bianca, (founder of Sante Natural) and thought that it would be a great chance for me to discover more about less developed areas with the opportunity to be involved with future projects, specifically concerning sustainable environments.

Zarren

ZAREEN HADADI

ZARREEN HADADIZarreens interests include photography, baking and Tangsudo however she also demonstrates a passion for sustainable global development which led her to Sante Natural. On multiply occasions, Zarreen has organised and managed charity events alongside running a local Youth Club.SO, WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITHIN THE ORGANISATION?I am currently responsible for compiling a Sanitation booklet soon to be introduced in the Gambia. I also work closely with Simon and Ari who are also involved in providing booklets on first aid and family planning, all of which are vital issues that need to be tackled.

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ZHIBIN 'SIMON' XIAN

ZHIBIN 'SIMON' XIANMade in China, Packaged in Singapore and Sold to London in 2010Simon has a plentiful range of achievements ranging from receiving a gold award for being the UN Association of Singapore Young Diplomat to successfully scoring a place as a London 2012 Olympics Volunteer.WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THAT YOU WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?Responsible, Determined and Futuristic.

Intern or Volunter with us!We are constantly looking for interns and volunteers to join us. We have placement in the US, UK and West Africa. Contact us today for more information.
Our Local African PartnersOur local African Partners are a vital part of our team. They help to make sure our projects are culturally appropriate, successfully completed, and serve a variety of other key roles ranging from administration to on the ground project managementOur ResearchersSante Natural works with a wide range of professionals who help to support our reseach on Traditional Medicine, Green Technology and Local Sustainable Development Practices around the world. We make this research publicly available and integrate it into our projects to keep them as effective and sustainable as possible.
Events

Upcoming Events

2011June City Club(Boulder, CO, USA) " Changing the world sustainably " by Bianca Griffith_______________________________________________________________________________________________________JulyTraditional Medicine Research Project________________________________________________________________________________________________________AugustCarnival Africa (Boulder, CO, USA)Presentation of Traditional Natural Medicine Research Findings (Boulder, CO, USA)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Septembercoming soon ________________________________________________________________________________________________________Octobercoming soon ________________________________________________________________________________________________________Novembercoming soon ________________________________________________________________________________________________________Decembercoming soon ________________________________________________________________________________________________________2012________________________________________________________________________________________________________AprilApril 20th-23rd International conference on Sustainable Development and Green Technology (the Gambia)More information coming soon
Press

We love sharing what we do with the world

Press ReleasesComing Soon_______________________________________________________________________________________________________Web Articles Huffington Post: " Social Enterprenurship with 40 Men in Four Days"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alexia-parks/social-entrepreneurship-w_b_597798.htmlGlobal Post: " Improving Community Health on a Global Scale"http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/commerce/improving-community-health-global-scaleAshoka: " This week in social enterprenurship"http://www.ashoka.org/story/week-social-entrepreneurship-15The Boulder Reporter: " Interview with a social enterprenur"http://boulderreporter.com/interview-with-a-social-entrepreneurThe Global Small Business Blog: " Interview with a social enterprenur"http://boulderreporter.com/interview-with-a-social-entrepreneur/________________________________________________________________________________________________________RadioKGNU: " DOT org Program Interview"http://kgnu.org/dotorg/2009/03/________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Radio

KGNU: " DOT org Program Interview"

http://kgnu.org/dotorg/2009/03/

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Sante.mp3

Contact

Get connected >

Contact

www. SanteNatural.org

Email: info_santenatural.org

Phone: +1 720 381-1713 (USA)

Mailing Address

1035 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO. 80302. USA

New York City, USA

Suna Akyuz

Tel: +1 917 495 2748

sunaakyuz_santenatural.org

London, UK

Bianca Griffith

Tel: +44 0754 6864 168

biancagriffith_santenatural.org

Twitter: _SanteNaturalOrg

EMAIL US TODAY info_santenatural.org

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