Daniel McNeal | February 26, 2019
World Water Day, celebrated annually on March 22nd, is a day of international observance to learn about water related issues and inspire action to make a difference. Originally adopted in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly and launched in 1993, World Water Day invites participants to engage in activities that promote public awareness of issues related to water conservation and development.
The theme for 2019’s World Water Day is “Leaving no one behind”. This theme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which were developed in 2014 as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Of the 17 goals, Goal 6 clearly states that clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in and targets 2030 as the date to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
As you think about ways to incorporate World Water Day in your classroom, consider a few statistics*:
- 3 in 10 people around the world lack access to safely managed drinking water services.
- Each day, nearly 1,000 children die due to preventable water and sanitation related diarrheal diseases.
- 4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation services, such as toilets or latrines.
- Over 80% of disease in developing countries is directly related to poor drinking water and sanitation.
- Women and children in many communities spend up to 60 percent of each day walking to collect water.
In the classroom
There are many resources to teach about World Water Day and water issues – not just on March 22nd, but year-round.
– The Water Project, a non-profit organization that helps communities in sub-Saharan Africa gain access to clean, safe water has provided free comprehensive Water Crisis Lesson Plans for educators at all grade levels from elementary through high school.
– Another non-profit organization, H2O for Life, provides service-learning opportunities for U.S. schools to raise awareness about the global water crisis while acting to provide funds for water education projects in the developing world. You will need to create a free account to access the lesson plans and other resources.
One unique activity, called an H2O for Life Walk for Water, requires students to walk 5 kilometers carrying 6 liters of water in a backpack, recreating what millions of people must go through daily just to access water.
– For those living in the Raleigh-Durham area, an organization called Carry The Water NC is hosting a World Water Day 5k on March 23rd, 2019 in Morrisville. Proceeds from the event will go towards transforming thirsty villages in India with sustainable solutions to clean drinking water.
– Teacher Planet, a website that is part of The Educator’s Network of teacher focused websites, is another place for resources and tools to discuss water issues with your class.
Many of us may not realize how big an issue water scarcity is. However, events like the Flint Water Crisis and the severe drought in the Southwestern United States have shown that even developed countries like the United States are not immune to the threats of water scarcity.
Let’s join the cause this March and work towards creating universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all!
*sources: https://thewaterproject.org/water-scarcity/water_stats and https://www.h2oforlifeschools.org/page/water-crisis