Water Blogged

The St. Barnabas School 8th Grade Roots & Wings students embarked on a service-learning project during the second semester of the school year that centered around the importance of bringing clean water to countries/regions in need across the world. The cross-curricular unit began with a novel study of Linda Sue Park’s A Long Walk to Water. The group of ten students was tasked with weekly reflections on their reading that helped to open their eyes to the scale of the global water crisis and the hardships many face in order to obtain access to clean water.

Upon completion of the novel, students took part in a hands-on water purification process which further helped reinforce the complexities of not only gaining access to water, but then ensuring that the water is safe for consumption and usage. Using P&G water purification technology, students transformed muddy water through the processes of coagulation and flocculation. After allowing the treated water to sit for the afternoon, students returned to the classroom and sampled their finished product.

During the course of the semester students also researched the various H2O for Life projects that were available to support, and prepared persuasive arguments as to why we should support a project of choice. After presenting their persuasive arguments to the class, the group voted on which project they wanted to support, ultimately landing on the St. Kizito Kayabwe Primary School well rehabilitation project. Once the project was selected, students quickly got to work on putting their fundraising plan in place.

The cross-curricular unit culminated with the school-wide candy sale fundraiser, with students spearheading everything from candy sourcing and pricing, to advertising, communications and sales. Public service announcements and daily commercials were given by students on SBTV morning announcements to help draw attention to the cause. Candy sales kicked off on Sunday, February 23, following mass and continued each morning in school through February 28. Daily sales drew a large crowd from our PK-8 grade student body of nearly 432 students, through which we were able to raise a total of $2,136.81. As a result, students were able to support not only St. Kizito Kayabwe Primary School, but were also able to contribute funds to two other projects.

Student Quotes:
“Participating in the 8th grade H2O for Life fundraiser has made me realize how important clean water is for everyone. I discovered that many people worldwide struggle to obtain clean drinking water, and some have to walk and labour for miles to collect it. This experience made me aware of how water scarcity affects not just health, but time for education and prevents future opportunities for a better life. Supporting this cause has opened my eyes to global issues and inspired me to aid future projects and causes. It’s become apparent that even small actions can make an immeasurable difference in the lives of many. All in all, the 8th grade H2O for Life fundraiser motivates me to make the change I want to see in the world every day.”

“I enjoyed participating in the H2O For Life water project in support of St. Kizito Kayabwe Primary School. Helping organize this initiative helped me realize how much I take for granted. I always have clean water, a basic human need, at my demand, while many do not. I learned that some people have to walk miles multiple times a day through extreme weather to find water for their families, and even then, that water is rarely clean. Realizing this, I was motivated to help as many people gain access to clean water as possible. Through fundraising for the H2O For Life water project, my perspective on my lifestyle has changed. I have realized how privileged and blessed of a life I live. I now understand how many lives are at risk due to water contamination and how a simple action like encouraging my friends to buy candy can have a huge impact, like bringing clean water to hundreds of people in Africa. Now that I know how significant the water crisis is, I can take steps in the future to help those without water. Contributing to another water project or taking more personal steps, like using less water at home, are all ways I can continue to help those without water. If everyone makes a conscious effort to help those without water, we could considerably impact the state of the water crisis.”

“Participating in the H2O for Life fundraising initiative has made me more aware of the critical importance of clean water access. Before this project, I knew that many communities lacked clean water, but I never truly understood the daily struggles people face because of it. Through this project and reading the book A Long Walk To Water, I have learned about the long distances some people must walk just to collect small amounts of water, which is often contaminated and leads to health issues. This has changed my perspective on global issues and community involvement, showing me how even small efforts, like this project, can make a real difference in people’s lives. It has also inspired me to try and help others as much as I can, because as I now realize how much impact collective efforts can have in someone’s life. Right now, and later in life, this project will help me remember not to take what I have for granted because even if I feel like I’m at the lowest state possible, there will always be someone with less.”

Total Funds Raised: $2,136.81
Projects Supported:
– St. Kizito Kayabwe Primary School, Uganda
– Apex Nursery and Primary School, Uganda
– St. Bruno Mwembe Primary School, Uganda

– Submitted By the St. Barnabas School WELLness Project, Northfield, OH