Designer: Ashley Bothwell of Green Chair Creative
The symbol used here is loosely based on the Mayan symbol N’oj in Kiche Maya. This is the symbol of intelligence; and is very useful for creativity and the power of intellect to find solutions to challenges. The highest expression: a great steward of our natural resources, especially the Earth and water.
The idea of “creativity and power of intellect to find solutions to challenges” applies well. I started Improve International not only to promote learning from monitoring results and evaluation, but also to spark creativity in addressing the world’s water challenges.
A few more descriptions of N’oj (or Noj):
Noj is known as the thinker, is intelligent, mentally active, rationalizing, reflective and practical. Noj is a doer, often becoming a leader in its community. Meditative and visionary, Noj, in Maya, they are known as “the brains of heaven.” [Found here]
Noj is wisdom, the name of our thoughts, the customs of behavior. Symbolizes the ambivalent moral strengths of the human mind. It is the energy that governs the mind, knowledge and good memory. It is synonymous with good creative talent. No’j is the day of decision and advice. [Found here]
Improve International will thrive on learning and reflecting on work in the water and sanitation sector. The organization will be practical, by facilitating knowledge sharing among implementing organizations and donors or helping to identify patterns and themes of what works and what doesn’t in water and sanitation projects.
