11 March, 2016
To mark the World Water Day, Hisaar Foundation organized a water conservation session at Govt. Girls School, Jut Line, Karachi on March 11, 2016 with the support of Ms. Seema Zahid, member WWN (Women & Water Network). Over one hundred students from class 6 to 10 and eight school-teachers attended the session. Hisaar Foundation team members Ms Saleha Atif and Ms Rida Baqai stressed that encouraging students to take the lead on water saving projects at school is crucial if we are to curb our wasteful habits. Education is key to bringing about this behavioral shift. Schools can inspire future generations to change their attitudes to water conservation. Water is our most valuable natural resource, if we continue to waste water; we will destroy all life on earth. For us to pull the plug on water waste, building awareness of the issue is pivotal. Water is a precious resource; the need for its conservation is greater than ever before. They said that school teachers can play a vital role in changing minds and also behavior relating to water use and water consumption and sensitizing the school children on improved water conservation and better management practices. Students were informed about the World Water Day which is held annually on 22 March to draw attention on the importance of water and supporting the durable management of water resources. In 2016, the theme is “Water and Jobs”. At the end of the session, Hisaar team members, students and teachers discussed the feasibility of setting up a kitchen garden at the school premises with the support of Hisaar Foundation. This would not only ensure a means of livelihood for the students belonging to low-income households, but also give the students an opportunity to learn about water conservation and management in gardening. Hisaar Foundation’s jingle about water conservation was played for the students. Prizes were distributed to children who delivered speeches and participated in chart-making competition on the importance of water, water conservation and improved management practices. Water conservation guidelines for schools and homes were also handed out.
