Inventor Of The Hand-Cranked Washing Machine Is Changing Lives By Providing His Devices To Refugees

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Navjot Sawhney, an inventor of the hand-cranked washing machine known as the ‘Divya’ traveled to Iraq just to deliver and distribute his new invention to refugees.

This low-cost washing machine is meant to help people living in poverty an easier way to wash their clothes. The common belief is that at least 70 percent of the world’s population lack access to electric washing machines.

Made in the United Kingdom, these machines are delivered to those that have limited or no access to water and electricity, who would also need to wash their clothing by hand. Such people are those that suffer from disabilities, as well as female women that have survived abuse and those kept in captivity by terrorist groups.

Navjot, who happens to be a former student of Bath University, shared with BBC that his two-week trip to deliver the washing machines to the northern region of Iraq was a “completely humbling experience.”


He added, “To give them the dignity of clean clothes is very fulfilling. Some of these families still have members missing, some of these women have suffered major trauma and abuse. It’s just really heartbreaking stuff.”

“Handwashing clothes is restrictive and painful. The Divya means women, who are usually the primary washers, have more time to rest,” he went on to say.

According to Navjot, he was inspired to develop the machine after a volunteer trip in India after quitting his Wiltshire job in engineering, where he saw one of his neighbors struggling to do their wash.

He explained, “When you read the news, places like this can seem really daunting but the people here are like everyone else in the world. They just want their lives to go back to normal.”

“This is my third trip to Iraq and each time I come it is unique and I learn so much. Every time I’m reminded of the dignity and pride people have in clean clothes,” he added.


Navjot decided to put up The Washing Machine Project in 2018, which now has orders from at least 15 different countries all throughout the world. He is also attempting to get the device to other areas such as India, Uganda, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Also sharing with BBC, Navjot explained, “Everyone is worried about the situation in Afghanistan and what that may mean for the stability of the region, especially people like the Yazidis who we are supporting here, who have suffered so greatly at the hands of terrorist organizations.”

He also said, “We’re really proud to be here to do our part.” And we’re absolutely certain that all the people he’s helped are incredibly thankful as well.

 

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