Students join the ‘Walk for Water’ global initiative

ST Louis students had PE classes with a difference last week, when they experienced for a brief time just how difficult life can be for children all across the globe who don’t have access to running water.

The students took a bucket filled with water, shared it between two, and carried it for five kilometres, to feel just how arduous a task it is, and one that many girls their age undertake every day.

This action was one of many hundreds of actions which took place around the world this March ( Water Action Month) in the lead up to World Water Day

‘Part of the ethos of St Louis is to encourage our students to be flag bearers for social justice and so the girls wanted to walk in the shoes of their peers from Kenya who walk an average of 6kms per day to collect water, carrying up to 20 litres of water on their journey,’ said teacher, Olivia Sherry.

‘As a result of the time it takes to collect water, many children, especially girls, are unable to remain in school, and without education, find themselves caught in a cycle of poverty. We wanted our girls to appreciate just how fortunate we are in the developed world.’

World Water Day is held annually on March 22nd as a means of focusing attention on the need for safe, clean, water supplies and the sustainable management of fresh water resources throughout the world. Aidlink, an Irish NGO working in Kenya, Uganda and Ghana, annually organises the Walk for Water campaign with Irish Schools in the run up to World Water Day on March 22nd.

Aidlink emphasises the important role of water and sanitation facilities in prolonging girls’ attendance at school. In the communities where Aidlink work, the introduction of water tanks and girl-friendly latrines has had a huge impact on young girls and their ability to stay in education into their teenage years.