Local school helps provide clean water to those who need it most

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

Drinking clean, running water is a luxury that isn’t available in some third world countries, and something many of us take for granted. The Grade 3 class at Westmount Elementary studied four different countries, their environments and services. Running water was one of those services. 

“So the kids found out that not all places have access to clean, running water, so that’s kind of a big component,” said teacher Deanna Kooistra. 

She said she knew Fraser Edwards, C.E.O for the Strathmore Water School headquarters and founder. She asked him to come in and talk about the water school project. 

The project teaches African people how to clean their water so it’s healthy. She decided to have the kids learn about that as well, and have a fundraiser.

“We sold culturally diverse snacks, which tied into the four countries that we are studying and the proceeds that we made went towards the water school,” said Kooistra. 

The fundraising efforts by the kids resulted in them raising $512.70 for the water school. 

“What they raised is going to provide clean water for life for over 102 children,” said Edwards. 

The kids were shy, but all agreed they had fun and feel good about helping out so many people. 

The Water School is an international organization designed to provide safe, strategic and sustainable water solutions. It was founded by Edwards and Robert Dell in 2007 and has helped teach hundreds of people. It is a three-step program, which integrates sanitation and hygiene education by using the water technology Solar Disinfection. Simply, Solar Disinfection is using a clear water bottle and sunlight to disinfect water and help prevent waterborne diseases. 

The money raised by the kids will go towards trainers, materials, basic local resources, monitoring and continuous follow up. To find out more about Water School and Solar Disinfection, call 888-800-4722 or email info@waterschool.com.