According to the motto “Water for all, all for water”.

In this interview, we spoke with the managing director of Viva con Agua Carolin Stüdemann. We rewound time and asked how the idea behind Viva con Agua came about. Spoiler: Soccer plays a significant role here. Carolin also gives us a little insight into the various projects and what successes they have already celebrated. Maybe you have already heard about World Water Day. It takes place once a year, and we asked how important this day is. We also talked about the current Corona pandemic and its impact on Viva con Aguas projects. Sometimes there are positive impacts as well as negative ones. How you can support the aid organization, besides donating, and much more, you can find out here in this interview!

• Viva con Agua Instagram

The role of the St. Pauli neighborhood in Hamburg

FIV: Hello dear Carolin, how nice that it worked out with the interview today! Let’s start right away. We would like to turn back the clock to the beginnings of Viva con Agua. How did the idea of Viva con Agua come about?

Carolin: Viva con Agua was founded in and through the St. Pauli neighborhood in Hamburg. Benjamin Adrion, a professional soccer player for FC St. Pauli at the time, felt the need to get involved in something besides soccer after a training camp in Cuba. The idea was born to use the creative and social environment of the soccer club and the neighborhood to support social projects. With the first project – to improve water supply to kindergartens in Cuba – an incredible momentum was created. One year later, the non-profit association Viva con Agua de St. Pauli e.V. was finally founded with the vision “Water for all – all for water”.

Photo: Florian Quandt

Help without donating money? Yes, that is possible!

FIV: For our readers who don’t know Viva con Agua yet, how can people support you who don’t have the opportunity to donate?

Carolin: You can support Viva con Agua in many ways. The most important thing is to create awareness and attention for the important topic of drinking water among the general public. Because when we learn to appreciate water as a source of life, we also begin to protect this resource. Many also start a fundraising campaign with friends and acquaintances to collect donations for Viva con Agua. For example, they call on people to make a donation for drinking water instead of birthday gifts.*
Or they volunteer in one of the many city crews. For example, they are out and about at concerts and festivals with large deposit cup garbage cans and flags, collecting deposit cups that are donated to Viva con Agua. You can also support our work by buying our mineral water in the supermarket – the social alternative when you want something other than tap water.

Photo: Viva con Agua

Clean Drinking Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

FIV: What is your personal heart project?

Carolin: Any project that contributes to our goal of providing people with access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene is a project close to our hearts. I wouldn’t prioritize them.

Besides Nepal & India, focus on Global South

FIV: You support most projects on the African continent. Do you have other projects planned on other continents?

Carolin: Our focus is on the Global South, especially the African continent. After all, a lot can be achieved in East and Southern Africa to give people access to clean drinking water. We are also particularly well networked here, for example with other organizations. But we also support projects in Nepal and India. In India, we are currently starting to implement our Universal Language Approach For Behavior Changes. We are using the universal languages of sport, music and art to provide a more joyful approach to issues such as hygiene and sanitation.

Photo: Bastian Wülfing

Living situation of 3.7 million people improved

FIV: What has been your biggest personal success with your projects so far?

Carolin: To date, we have reached around 3.7 million people with our projects and sustainably improved their living situation. That makes Viva con Agua and me incredibly proud.

World Water Day: Reminder of “Water is Life

FIV: Once a year there is World Water Day. How does this day help? Does it change anything?

Carolin: For Viva con Agua, World Water Day is the most important of the year. Because water is increasingly seen in a negative context in the media in Germany: From flood to “Are we running out of water?”. World Water Day offers the opportunity to set other perspectives and to remind people that “water is life”.

Achieving the goal: Infrastructure in the Global South

FIV: Your goal is to make clean water accessible to all. What all has to happen for this goal to be achieved?

Carolin: The focus here is primarily on infrastructure in the Global South. Because in order to ensure a long-term and sustainable water supply, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs must be in local hands. And of course, the topic of water should also receive more public attention outside of World Water Day, so that awareness of the issue can be raised. After all, water is a global issue – water cycles concern us all!

Photo: Nico Malkov

Clean drinking water accessible to all by 2030?

FIV: What year do you expect to reach your goal?

Carolin: In 2015, the UN adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs for short). Among other things, the UN has set itself the goal of providing all people worldwide with access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. We can see today that this is ambitious, because climate change also poses challenges to this goal. However, I remain optimistic and will continue to work with Viva con Agua to achieve this SDG!

Strong focus on hygiene due to pandemic

FIV: The pandemic caused a lot of chaos. How has the pandemic affected your projects?

Carolin: Our water projects are always holistic, i.e. they also include hygiene and sanitation measures. This is called WASH for short. One positive effect was certainly that the corona pandemic brought hygiene in particular very much into focus. The new or rediscovered awareness of hygienic procedures here in Germany has once again shown many people how important hygiene is, also in terms of disease prevention. However, as many of our focus countries, such as Uganda or South Africa, were in long lockdowns, this naturally made our work on the ground more difficult and slowed it down.

*Donation campaigns can be created securely and easily online:
https://www.vivaconagua.org/spendenaktion/

FIV: Thank you very much for your time! We wish you all the best on your way!

Photo: Andrin Fretz

Photo: Kevin McElvaney

Photo: Stefan Groenveld

Photo: Lea May

More about Viva con Agua

Did you like the interview with Carolin Stüdemann about Viva con Agua and would you like to learn more about the aid organization? Then you can find more information about the background in this article!

What is Viva con Agua? – Water is a human right!

An international network consisting of people and companies, and a non-profit association with the goal of making water accessible to all. The focus is on clean drinking water and basic sanitation with a focus on the Global South. Thousands of people already support the organization and actively help according to the motto: “Water for all, all for water”! You can find all information about the aid organization here!

• Viva con Agua: What is it?

Photo: Tabea Przybilla

• Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

Whirlpool bestseller: TÜV/GS certified

The MSpa Tekapo whirlpool is available on Amazon, is considered a bestseller and is TÜV/GS certified . The product has been successfuly tested and has received the test seal “Tested Safety”. Therefore, it has a very good price-performance ratio and can not be compared with other objects in the same price range. The shape and size is also ideal. The square body therefore fits perfectly on terraces, balconies or even indoors. Furthermore the material of the whirlpool is very resistant, robust, as well as weather and tear resistant, which makes it ideal for summer and winter.

TÜV-tested: Safety when relaxing

The whirlpool is TÜV/GS tested and therefore very good and above all safe. In the production and processing was set on particularly high quality and durable materials, which is why this pool stands out compared to other products in the same price range.. Especially with a whirlpool safety is the A&O. The risk of injury when getting in and out is very high, which is why a good coating is important and necessary.

• Bestseller No.1 on Amazon

Shape, Size & Weight: Terrace, Balcony or Interior

The MSpa Tekapo hot tub has an ideal size and it can accommodate up to 6 people. The pool is square and measures 185 x 185, which makes it perfect for small terraces, balconies or even for the interior and can be placed as desired and useful. The weight is 23 kilograms without water, which is why the assembly and disassembly or a change of location is uncomplicated and easy.

• 185cm x 185cm
• 23 kg (without water)

Price at Amazon: very good price-performance ratio

The price for the MSpa Tekapo whirlpool is € 649.95 on Amazon. This price is average compared to other products. However, the price-performance ratio of this model is very good, which is why the MSpa Tekapo whirlpool is a bestseller.

• 649,95 €

Total power: watts, heating, massage jets

• 2.100 Watt, 1.500 Watt heating, 600 Watt massage jets

Material: high quality, robust and resistant

The whirlpool is particularly robust and can be used all year round. Due to the special 6-layer material technology, this is very durable and the material technology is even used in the marine industry. The coating is UV and frost resistant as well as weather and tear resistant. Dhe pool also has a 1cm thick anti-slip bottom, which makes it easier and safer to get in and out of the pool.

• 6-layer material technology
• UV and frost resistant
• Weather and tear resistant

Features: Massage jets, LED remote control & automatic heater

There are several Special Features in the MSpa Tekapo hot tub to help you have a relaxing evening. These include, among others: Massage jets, an LED remote control or an energy-saving heater. Make yourself comfortable in your whirlpool after a long and tiring day and enjoy these hours. Release tension in the warm water and create your own personal wellness oasis in your home.

Massage jets: 132 360° air jets

The MSpa Tekapo hot tub has 132 bubble massage jets that are ideal for resting and relaxing. The 360° massage jets provide a distributed massage experience. This technology allows up to 6 people to sit in this pool and all relax equally.

• 132 air bubble massage jets

LED remote control: waterproof and easy control

With the waterproof LED full function remote control you have the possibility to control all jets from the pool and operate everything according to your wishes. You the water temperature, the UVC generator and the filter system on and off. The display is easy to operate and therefore perfect to use in the pool.

• Smart-Touch remote control for control (nozzles, temperature, filter, UVC)

Heating: temperature range and energy saving timer

You can heat the whirlpool between 20°C and 40°C as you wish. This means that it is ideal for cooling off in the summer and keeping warm in the winter. The adjustable energy-saving timer gives you the possibility to keep your pool at a certain temperature at a certain time. Once your desired and set temperature is reached, the heating automatically switches off, so no more energy is generated and electricity is saved.

• Temperature range: 20°C-40°C

Hygiene: filtration, disinfection generator & pool fabric

The most important thing in a hot tub is hygiene. In the MSpa Tekapo hot tub are some features included to keep the pool extra durable and high class. Here you will find the most important aspects to pay attention to when it comes to hygiene and which features are included from the start. Take care of your pool so that you can enjoy the product for a long time. A unique feature of the MSpa Tekapo hot tub is the new UVC disinfection generator. This is already built into the pool and ensures increased water hygiene.

Filtering: automatic or controllable via screen

The filter function should also be very good in a hot tub, so that a certain standard of hygiene can be maintained. With the MSpa Tekapo hot tub, the water is often filtered and thus protected from impurities. This function can be controlled via the LED remote. Also the pump has more suction power in the latest model and is therefore more intense.

• Filtering controllable by remote control
• Pump more suction power

UVC disinfection generator: new special feature

This function is new and very special. The UVC disinfection generator is an ultraviolet light that repels up to 95% of bacteria and pathogenic germs. Therefore, the spa is cleaned and kept clean during use.

• Ultraviolet light for germ defense

Pool fabric: Antibacterial for a hygienic water environment

The pool fabric is antibacterial, which means that bacterial proliferation is reduced by up to 99%. For this purpose, a special layer is located on the inside of the pool and helps maintain a hygienic water environment.

Tip: find the MSpa Tekapo hot tubs on Amazonhere !

Scope of delivery, additional accessories & starter set

In addition to the actual whirlpool, this product offers you a lot more. You will be sent a large scope of delivery with which you can start directly. In addition there is also a large assortment of starter sets including chlorine tablets, additional filters or other chemical aids that you need for a clean and long-lasting pool. If you prefer even more comfort, you can invest in additional accessories. The range is very large. Create your relaxing evening in the hot tub including drink holder, seat cushion or neck support.

Scope of delivery of the MSpa Tekapo hot tub

• Whirlpool
• Full function remote control
• Insulating cover with quick release fasteners
• 2 filter cartridges with mesh cover
• Inflation hose with pressure gauge
• Garden hose adapter
• Repair kit

Starter Set: Chlorine tablets, replacement filter & Co.

If you decide to purchase a hot tub, you will need some chemical supplies to keep the pool durable and sanitary. There is now a wide selection of chlorine tablets and pool starter kits that you should purchase to get started. Look for the right information and get advice on how to take care of your hot tub. Depending on the amount of water and size, you will need a certain amount of chlorine. This is determined individually and should be clarified before use.

Additional accessories: headrest, cup holder & seat cushion

There is also a wide range of additional accessories that make your pool experience even better and more relaxed. Here you will find a selection of possible gadgets, which you should ideally purchase directly.

• Replacement filter
• Neck support
• Drink holder
• Inflatable seat cushion
• Weather protection hood
• Floor mat
• Thermal cover
• Ozone generator (more natural water quality)

Winter operation: anti-frost technology & handling

As already mentioned, it is possible to use the pool in winter. This is due to the frost protection system. The prerequisite for this is that the pool is switched on or in stand-by mode.. Here you will now learn what the special technology of the pool is, how it heats in winter and at what outdoor temperatures it is better not to use the hot tub.

Heating in cold temperatures: What you have to pay attention to

In winter it is unfortunately more difficult to heat up the pool, as it does not contain water that has already been heated and the heat is released into the environment more quickly. Different factors such as air/ground temperature or the wind also make heating difficult. As the temperature can be very low in winter, it will take a long time to heat up the pool to 40°C. To counteract this, it is worth adding preheated water to the pool. Ethermo cover and a floor mat for insulation will help to keep the water in the pool warm for a long time.

Relaxing in winter: When is it too cold?

When the outside temperature is below 4°C, the initial start-up of the pool is not allowed. Furthermore use at an outside temperature of -10°C is also not°C is also not recommended, as this has a negative effect on the longevity of the pool. Another tip is to regularly clear the pool of snow and ice, as this will protect the material and make it last longer.

Anti-freeze technology: automated heating

To ensure that you can use the pool all year round, there is anti-freeze technology. If you want to leave your hot tub set up in the winter, the heater ensures that the water does not freeze and the pump, heater or pipes are not damaged. If the water temperature has dropped below 1°C, the heater will raise the temperature to 3°C to prevent frost.

Pool construction, cleaning & testing: Is it worth the investment?

Some questions asked when buying your own hot tub are: How do I set it up properly and how do I clean it ideally? In the following videos you will learn everything important around these two questions and can prepare yourself ideally.

MSpa Tekapo hot tub: How do I set up the pool?

Watch this video for instructions on how to build the 2021 Delight Series:

MSpa Tekapo Hot Tub: How do I clean the pool?

In this video you will learn everything about cleaning the pool:

Test and conclusion: Is it worth the investment?

You are still unsure about the purchase and want to see if the investment is worth it? Here you can find an interesting YouTube video including setup, test & conclusion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AypzaqE8gc

Prohibitions – curfew light summarized

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has just appeared before the cameras of the capital’s press. She announced tightened measures to contain the infections with COVID-19.

1. People are only allowed to stay outside alone for walks, sports, etc.
   Exceptions are 2 persons or persons from one household
2. Meetings with more than 2 persons are prohibited and currently even punishable by law, in public and private spaces
3. There are exceptions such as the way to the supermarket, pharmacy or even the way to work.

What is the corona virus (COVID-19)?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The coronavirus is the most recent pandemic, which means that the whole world is affected. It is reaching a level not seen for decades. The virus affects billions of people and disrupts social and economic life worldwide. The COVID-19 or coronavirus, which was first decreed in the Chinese province of Wuhan, has now spread to more than 150 countries, and the number of people infected is increasing daily.

COVID-19 stands for Coronavirus Disease 2019, or “corona virus disease”. The virus causes severe and acute respiratory syndrome in some infected people.

Why is it so important to contain the virus?

Health systems are set up for many emergencies, but not for such exceptional situations. In Germany, for example, there are 25,000 ventilators. As a rule, these are 80% full. This means that theoretically only 5,000 devices remain for treatment.

COVID-19 causes, among other things, that in some cases the lungs get stuck together, so it is important to ventilate patients. The more patients need this inpatient treatment, the higher the workload and the risk that the devices are not sufficient.

If this is the case, as for example in Northern Italy, doctors have to decide who gets treatment and who does not. By making this choice, individual people must be turned away, especially those who are less likely to be cured. Nobody wants to have to make that decision.

In order to keep the infection curve low and thus reduce the risk of hospital overload, the current curfews are in place.

In 2 out of 3 infected people the coronavirus breaks out

As insidious at the virus, even if the virus is noticed in the course, the outbreak takes 7 days from ingestion to impact in the body. This means that a full 7 days after infection, no transmitter knows it is already infected. Even worse, while some infected people are hit extremely hard, many other infected people do not notice any noticeable effects. As a result, they do not know that they are actually carriers.

Through these measures, public health authorities and the entire national health infrastructure worldwide are gaining valuable time to respond to this crisis.

via GIPHY

Tips: How can you help?

You can help most by adapting your own behaviour:

1. You should stay at home as often as possible. This means above all restricting personal meetings with older or chronically ill people – for their protection
2. Refrain from shaking hands and hugging
3. Hold distance to others

The 3 dangers of COVID-19

1. Hazard minimization of hospital overload (lowering of the infection curve)
2. Until the virus breaks out in the body, it takes 7 days. During these 7 days, one does not even know anything about the infection that has already occurred
3. A large proportion of those infected do not show signs of the virus even after 7 days, so they remain carriers without knowing it.

Exceptions during curfew

The acting authority may attach exceptions to its orders, which in turn must be as specific as possible. The first general ruling of the district of Tirschenreuth in Germany expressly provides for the following exceptions, among others

1. Travel to and from the respective place of work with employer’s certificate
2. Shopping for the needs of daily life within the urban area
3. Visits to doctors’ surgeries, medical supply stores, opticians, hearing aid acousticians and health practices
4. Visits to pharmacies within the affected urban area
5. Visits to Deutsche Post branches
6. Filling up at petrol stations
7. Fire and rescue services on the way to the base or site
8. Necessary delivery traffic

Certificate for the way to work: Free for employers – Download

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• Certificate for the way to work – Download as DOCX
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COVID-19 – what is it? The virus in detail

After the most important information we have here many more important information about the coronavirus and its course. Are all coronaviruses dangerous for humans? Are there comparable examples to COVID-19? We have the answers.

Are all corona viruses dangerous for humans?

Coronaviruses belong to the large family of viruses. Viruses are part of normal life. Viruses are widespread in humans and many different animal species, including cats and bats. The common human corona virus, as described above, typically causes an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold. Many infected people often do not even notice that they are already affected by the virus.

In fact, most people become infected with one or more of these viruses at some point in their lives. Infection with the human corona virus usually resolves itself, while others feel extremely uncomfortable, up to really severe illness. Elderly people and people with previous illnesses are particularly at risk.

Rarely can coronaviruses that infect animals develop into a new human coronavirus.

COVID-19 – What is the difference to influenza?

The number of new infections with influenza is rising again for seasonal reasons. According to the RKI (as of 17.03.2020), over 145,000 people in Germany have contracted influenza since last autumn. 247 died of it. In the 2017/18 flu season 25,100 people died. According to the RKI, this is the highest number in 30 years.

According to current data from the Johns Hopkins University of 19 March 2020, 12,327 people in Germany are infected with Sars-CoV-2. 28 people have died as a result so far. Worldwide, 218,815 people are known to be infected and 8,810 deaths due to COVID-19.

Are there comparable examples to COVID-19?

Examples from the recent past were the severe respiratory syndrome “SARS” in 2003 and the respiratory syndrome known as “MERS” Coronavirus 2012 in the Middle East.

The outbreak of coronavirus began in China, more precisely in Wuhan.

Where is Wuhan, China?

The outbreak of coronavirus began in Wuhan (China). The virus spread rapidly worldwide. On 11 March, the WHO (World Trade Organization) finally declared COVID-19 a pandemic. 2 out of 3 people infected with the virus suffer an outbreak.

What is CFR (mortality)?

In China, the total CFR was very high in the initial phase of the outbreak.

CFR stands for “case fatality rate”. It describes the “lethality” of a disease. More precisely, it describes the disease or poisoning or the probability of dying from a disease. The CFR thus calculates the ratio of deaths to the number of people who are ill or poisoned.

This is particularly due to the fact that no comparisons were available and there was no lead time. Initially the CFR was 17.3%, which means that on average 1 in 6 people died. The CFR was reduced to 7% by 1 February thanks to better equipment, tests, precautions and a general improvement in treatment standards.

This means that with proper control, the condition can be stabilized.

Which people are most at risk?

In particular, there are two groups of people who are at risk:

1. Older people over 60 years of age
2. People with previous illnesses

The virus is dangerous in different ways for different age groups. For example, the mortality rate among people under 60 is relatively low. On the other hand, the mortality rate among older people is increasing rapidly. So the highest risk is borne by people over 60 years of age. Besides this group of people, people with pre-existing conditions are particularly at risk. Persons with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and cancer are much more at risk than healthy persons. It becomes dangerous when both factors come together, old age and previous illnesses. Unfortunately, the group of older people suffers more frequently from one or more diseases. This makes the situation so personal, even for each individual: Your own grandmother, your own grandfather, your parents.

Tips for washing hands

To minimize the risk of passing the virus on, make sure you wash your hands. As simple as it sounds, it’s very effective. Thorough hand washing is a five-step process:

1. Hold your hands under running water
2. Soap your hands thoroughly
3. Thorough hand washing takes 20 to 30 seconds
4. Watch out: palms, backs of hands, fingertips, finger gaps and thumbs as well as fingernails, which are forgotten by most people
5. Rinse hands under running water
6. Dry off carefully