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 a lot of 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. 

This week's activities link to the following articles from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Article 24 (health and health services)

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. 

 

Article 27 (adequate standard of living)

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.

 

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Exploring World Water Day

Why do you think that the right to clean water is such an important right?

How many reasons can children list?

Here are just a few!

• Our bodies are made up of over 60% water, and we need clean water to keep them working properly and to stay alive.
• Drinking dirty, unsafe water can cause serious illnesses.
• In some communities, children miss out on their education because they must spend time collecting water.
• We need water for washing ourselves and for keeping our clothes and homes clean.
• A good water supply is important for good sanitation and flushing our toilets.
• Not having access to clean water makes it harder to be healthy and have a decent standard of living.
• Water and wetlands provide important habitats for plants and animals.
• Pollution of our oceans, rivers and waterways can have a serious impact on all living things.
• Water is important to generate power in some places, and it is better for the environment than burning fossil fuels.

Tomorrow in school, we will be marking World Water Day (Don't forget to wear something blue)and learning about Sustainable Development Goal 6. Here are some suggestions for activities that you can do at home to mark World Water Day.

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Enjoy a Glass of Water

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. 

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Washing hands

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses is by washing your hands with clean water and soap. Watch these step-by-step instructions for good handwashing and then practice it by miming the actions with a friend.  

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Global Development Goal 6 with Thomas and Friends

Team up with Thomas and Friends to learn about the importance of clean water and Global Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all. Talk about what we can all do to make sure we don’t waste water and also to help keep rivers and oceans clean. 

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Making a difference - the HummingBird

Watch this about a hummingbird who puts out a fire one drop at a time. How can you be like the hummingbird and take action on the water and sanitation crisis facing the world? This story will be shared in school worship tomorrow too!