Author: Michel Camdessus (Active member of U.N. Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation)
Publication Date: August 23rd, 2012
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Picture:
This picture shows an African child procuring water by scooping it straight out from the mud and dirt. Accessing water has become such a rare and dire need that it seems they will drink anything; this could be changed.
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Summary:
Africa, which is the world's poorest and desperate region, has never had easy access to water. As shown above in the picture, there are not many fresh water resources or any resources at all in Africa. A lot of this is due to the excess of deserts and also to the lack of technology to gain water through other means, like making it fresh or gathering a consistent amount from rain or trees. Not only does this issue kill 3/4 of a million Africans under the age of five per year, but it also is an issue to their already-struggling economy. With so many falling ill to the dirty water and having to put so much effort into getting clean water, there is almost no time left to other chores, such as raising children, making sure they go to school, and keeping up with other needed resources like food and shelter. Recently, in the past year, large water reserves have been found underneath major African deserts that are like shining stars in the midst of blackness to all Africans. The only issue now is a question of morality: with water recently deemed as an official human need and right, who will work to make sure this new water is spread to all Africans? And who's to say there will be enough water to sustain Africans for very long? There is still a debate of this going on today between nations and how to help the underdog-region.
Opinion/Reflection:
This article kind of reminds me of how so many countries were reluctant to help Germany and other countries gain back their freedom in WWII; we need to help out Africa gain back their basic human right to water, yet so many people are hesitant. I feel very sad and desperate after reading this, and that only proves how badly the U.S. and others need to step in and help. If the U.S. were going to through a time when we had little to no water, wouldn't we want help from others? It's no longer a question of if; it's a question of when and how.
Questions:
1.) What do you think would be the best way to help Africa out with their water issues? Should we donate technology and let them run with it, or should we just build water-cleaning systems for them? Which do you think would be less costly? Which do you think would be more efficient?
2.) Do you think the water reserves should be handled by a higher power, like the government? Or do you think it should be a come-as-you-please type service?
3.) Do you think, in all honesty, that the addition of fresh water would cure most of Africa's economic issues? Or do you think fresh water would just simply be more convenient? Explain why you think this.
I believe that this article was very informative because it helped me to realize what the situation is like in Africa. I never really understood how hard it is for them to find water. I couldn't imagine living without having every day access to a good clean water source. I think that countries that are able to, should help out by bringing more fresh water into Africa. Without a clean source of fresh water, the African population may start to die out quickly. I believe that with the technology we have in science class, the people over there could work on purifying more water for themselves. This article and blog post made really good points about the things that are going on in Africa, and they made me think about what could be done to help the people there get the water they need.
ReplyDeleteQuestions:
1. How would you feel if put into a situation like this where you had no fresh water and the only water you had made you sick?
2. What would you do if you were put in charge of dispensing water to the African population?
3.Why do you think that other countries aren't doing as much as they can to help Africa with their water problems?
Invite a Professional: The Water Project and Ernest Waititu
ReplyDeleteHello, my name is Ryan and I am a ninth grade student attending high school in Pennsylvania. For a school assignment, we were asked to find articles relating to foreign and domestic problems, specifically dealing with water. After a fellow student stumbled upon and article talking about the water crisis in Africa and published a report on it on our blog, I sent out to find someone who could expand on the issue. It would be fantastic to have an expert in this field to comment on our blog and share a little bit more about how big of a problem the water crisis is and what we can do to help. Please do not feel obligated to respond, but any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Ryan Barrett
Here is the link to the blog: http://grass-heads.blogspot.com/
Qualifications: The Water Project exceeds the criteria determining an organization as "expert" by a large margin. The program raises money by raising awareness for the crisis in Africa, and uses the stories of those suffering to compel others living with a clean, constant supply of water to volunteer or donate to help the cause. Over the lifetime of the organization, the group has completed over 400 projects and provided over 200,000 people with sanitized drinking water.
Ernest Waititu is a native of Kenya, and he has experience the wrath of prolonging thirst in its most extreme. He has a masters degree in journalism, a Master if Arts in International Affairs, and degrees in English and Literature. He is the founder and editor of Afrika New, has written articles on the extremities that Africans face day to day, and is very knowledgeable on the African water crisis.
1. Do you think, in all honesty, that the addition of fresh water would cure most of Africa's economic issues? Or do you think fresh water would just simply be more convenient? Explain why you think this.
ReplyDeleteIt may not be possible to say whether additional usable water will solve most of Africa's economic problems. However, it is a fact that Africa loses approximately 28 billion dollars each year because of a lack of drinkable water and sanitation. In addition, lack of water results in lower school attendance because of the necessity of searching for usable water, which is certainly a factor affecting jobs, progress, and the overall economy. The time spent looking for and getting water from distant locations is also time that is not used to generate income or performing other vital tasks.
2. Why do you think that other countries aren't doing as much as they can to help Africa with their water problems?
Most likely because of difficult economic circumstances worldwide. At the current time, there are simply not as many resources to be spent. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that those in charge of directing those funds are less eager to spend money to do things like helping to alleviate such problems as the lack of clean, accessible water in Africa. It is also possible that disagreements on how best to resolve the situation; what exactly to do to make more water available, are slowing the process. It is easy to say "we should help the people in Africa who don't have enough water", but the questions of "how?" and "how much?" are much more difficult to answer, especially for nations with their own problems, problems which are also being called to attention by the taxpayers and voters who elect those that must make these decisions.
3. What do you think would be the best way to help Africa out with their water issues? Should we donate technology and let them run with it, or should we just build water-cleaning systems for them? Which do you think would be less costly? Which do you think would be more efficient?
True, technology and water-cleaning can be part of the solution. Certainly, implementing these will increase the total amount of water available. However, these measures alone cannot be considered the most effective nor the most efficient solution to the problem. As shown in the article, water prices vary greatly, even over small regions. The poorest people can pay the highest prices, while the wealthiest get their water at much cheaper rates. Redressing this inequality is one step that should be taken. Another option is to reduce the amount of land sold to investors and companies. This land is often connected to bodies of water, allowing it to be well-supplied with water, but is unable to be used by the population that needs it because of its sale. Retaining land and equalizing water prices, are options that, while having the potential to be massively effective and beneficial, are by no means the only possible solutions. All avenues must be considered to find the most efficient solution or solutions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCHhwxvQqxg&playnext=1&list=PLC10565B3DB318C57&feature=results_main
ReplyDeleteThis video briefly describes the water crisis in Africa and what it would be like to live there in a eye-catching manner. The video also advertises an organization that goes to help solve Africa's pressing issue. The video introduces some interesting facts and statistics. Also, the video talks about the idea of saving Africans time because it would take a while to walk to their nearest source of water, collect enough water and walk back.
Thanks so much for your interest in The Water Project. We are excited that you want to help give clean water to those who suffer needlessly without it!
ReplyDeleteYou asked about how the group could get involved to help.
The good news is that there are lots of truly effective ways to get involved.
A great place to begin is by getting a few ideas at:
http://thewaterproject.org/getinvolved.asp
You might consider organizing a Water Challenge ... In this ready-to-go fundraiser, you and your group choose to make water your only beverage for two weeks. You'll keep track of how much you would have spent on other beverages and then, at the end of two weeks, donate the money saved to The Water Project. It’s that easy! You’ll be surprised at how the money quickly adds up. We’ll even ship you free wristbands to remind everyone of your sacrifice to give others clean water. You can find out more about The Water Challenge here:
http://thewaterproject.org/thewaterchallenge.asp
Most groups also open a personalized fundraising page where they can get goals, track progress, and invite others to join them in raising awareness and funds for clean water! Start a Fundraiser is the page to surf to to open a fundraising page. And if you scroll down a bit on this page, you can see a listing of other groups/individuals who are involved too!
http://thewaterproject.org/start-a-fundraiser.php
What do other groups do for events? Many of our fundraising groups go beyond The Water Challenge. In fact, we’re constantly surprised at the creative fundraisers that our friends around the world come up with to tell our story and support our work. You can read more about our featured fundraisers in our community section:
http://thewaterproject.org/community/category/featured-groups/
We have also put together a list of fundraising ideas that might inspire you. Check them out here:
http://thewaterproject.org/fundraisingideas
Finally, remember to share the story of clean water too! We have a great video library that can help you tell the story. Check it out!
http://thewaterproject.org/video/
Over 884 million people worldwide do not have access to clean water. Dirty water lead to a cycle of sickness, poverty, lack of education, lack of development and lost hope. With statistics like these, it’s easy to tell others about the need for clean water in the developing world.
But the story doesn't end there. When you make a donation, we link your gifts to a specific project, and show you the results. Remember, when water comes, women no longer need to spend hours searching for a source of water, children (especially girls) return to school, water-borne illnesses are eradicated and entire communities are renewed.
If you have other general questions, check out our Resource Center where commonly asked questions are answered. You can get there here:
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