Written by St Lucia intern, Abby Murphy
International World Water Day was celebrated on the 22/03/2016.
The Happy Africa Foundation and Africa Impact were approached by Wildlands, a great conservation organisation working towards recycling, planting trees and conservation whilst creating livelihoods for local people. Together we came up with an event at Senzokuhle, a government funded organisation, that runs a feeding program for orphaned children in the area to receive a warm dinner.
Working alongside African Impact we created a presentation on why South Africa is experiencing a water shortage, what we can do to protect our limited water and why water conservation is so important. This was shown through games, speeches and singing, as well as some information on water sanitation and how we can all protect ourselves from water-bourne diseases.The children seemed to love the games and absorb the information given.
Wildlands gave a speech on what they do in the community which was followed by a break with biscuits and juice for all of the children which they enjoyed.
This day was so important to us working in St Lucia, as South Africa is one of the twelve African countries considered to be in a ‘water crisis’. The huge lack of water means people, especially women and children are having to walk even further than normal to find a safe water source. This is limiting their true potential with so much time wasted, and increasing illnesses from water-bourne diseases.
The day was focused around the UN Global Goal Number 6: Ensure sustainability and availability of water and sanitation for all.
Wildlands then went on to plant a tree to signify the day, working as a team all three organisations felt the day was of benefit to everyone who attended and we hope the children will go on to spread the word on their new water awareness and it will have a ripple effect throughout the community.