World Water Day
March 22nd is World Water Day.
We all know that water is vital for everyone in their daily lives across the world, and back in 2015 the world committed to working together to make sure that everyone has access to safe, clean water and good sanitation. This was Sustainable Development Goal 6.
But there is still much work to be done with over 2 billion people drinking unsafe water. An important aim of World Water Day is to inspire everyone to take action and make the necessary changes so that the right to clean water can be achieved by 2030 for everyone.
To help us explore the themes around World Water day we are going to be looking at Articles 24 and 27.
Article 24 – Health and health servicesÂ
Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, and a clean environment and education on health and well-being so that children can stay healthy. Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this.
Article 27 – Adequate standard of livingÂ
Every child has the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and social needs and support their development. Governments must help families who cannot afford to provide this.
We are going to begin to think more critically about these articles, have a go at one of the challenges below to support your learning:
Activity 1Â
Take a glass of water. It looks ordinary but is actually very special because we all need water to stay alive. Think about all the times water is important to you in your day, like on a hot day after you have been playing. Draw pictures of you or your friends enjoying water.
Activity 2Â
Each year World Water Day identifies a theme. Take a look at the World Water Day website to find out what this yearâs theme is. Make a poster or display to promote it and decide on one action that you will take. Can you link the theme to Articles 24 and 27?
Activity 3Â
Saving water can help to save money and also takes less water from our rivers and estuaries, which helps keep the environment healthy. Research some water saving tips for your school and create posters to display in key areas such as the toilets, kitchens and sink areas in classrooms to encourage others to save water too.
Activity 4Â
Make a âwater diaryâ over a day or week, writing down all the times you use water and in what ways. Can you work out roughly how many litres you use for different things?
Across the world, many children have to walk for miles each day collecting water. Work out how heavy it would be if you had to carry the water you use each day from a pump to your home.
Activity 5Â
Learn about UNICEFâs work in South Sudan to provide access to clean water for children at school. What difference do you think it is making to their lives?
