History of AT@Work

In 2003, the Netherlands Water Partnership-NGO platform, consisting of NGOs such as Simavi, IRC, Practica, Aqua for All, WASTE, and Both Ends, launched an initiative to promote household water solutions by advocating the Appropriate Technology (AT) approach.

Two workshops were held, and this resulted in the development of an AT Protocol: a dynamic document which defined six basic aspects of Appropriate Technology.

Supported by an external consultant, the AT protocol was discussed in a well-attended workshop in November 2004. This resulted in the creation of three working groups, which took up the challenge of disseminating the AT approach. Most important, however, was the overall agreement to set up a specific platform on AT promotion: AT@Work.

The AT@Work network includes representatives from NGOs, financing institutes, knowledge centers, innovators and the private sector.