WaterWideWeb celebrated World Water Day 2011 at the Phillips Club on New York City’s Upper West Side. Building Community Bridges (BCB), a non-profit organization that provides clean drinking water for rural villages in West Africa, hosted a charitable event to raise awareness about the difference water makes to local communities in Togo.
BCB founder Enyonam Nanevie sent a warm message to attendees via streamline video from Togo. Nanevie said, “….we are linked by an invisible thread to one belief, one stance, that water means life. Water is sacred and worthy to be celebrated by the entire world, together on this day.”
Yesterday, Naneive announced that BCB installed its first solar energy water pump in Koussougba. BCB engages women in the process of educating local residents on proper health and sanitation practices that prevent contamination in communal water resources.
“Twelve hundred people in the village of Koussougba of Togo will not have constant access to clean running water. Let us join with the women, men, and children of Koussougba to joyfully celebrate their newly acquired access to clean water which will mean a better life for all,” encouraged Naneive.
A crucial facet of decreasing mortality from water-borne diseases is encouraging villagers to use latrines and hand washing stations. Quite literally, one hand washes the other when it comes to proper sanitation methods complementing the installation of a clean water source.
Access to clean drinking water is affecting the functionality of villages, communities, and countries across the world. Often, the amount of information on water shortages, mortality rates from water borne diseases, and expenses for clean water provision is overwhelming.
The average New Yorker may wonder to herself, “How can my decisions and contributions to water causes truly make a difference in the world?” Yesterday, BCB in solidarity with water organizations across the world demonstrated how commitment and great acts of kindness make a meaningful impact to communities across the world.
Recognizing the human right to water requires that every able-bodied individual advocate for clean water access for all people. Digging water wells and conducting training to remote communities on the ground may not be carried out by the average U.S. citizen. But, mobilizing resources to non-profits equipped to carry forth this mission can be.
Supporting organizations that represent the U.S.’s commitment to clean water provision is a feat that can be accomplished by all. Concerted effort to provide water for cities is not an impossible mission. It is one that can only be achieved in solidarity with organizations such as BCB.
Nanieve concluded saying, “I end with a dream flung to the stars and the universe that one day on our beloved earth, all human beings everywhere, will have access to clean, vital, sacred, life-sustaining water.”
World Water Day 2011 was ultimately a success as water organizations made the cause of clean water known. But what will follow the promises, pledges, and excitement followed by the events of March 22, 2011?
Will you commit to upholding the human right to water?
The photo above was uploaded to highlight the importance of clean water. WaterWideWeb is not directly promoting bottled water.
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A fascinating blog for a very important topic. I look forward to sharing this with people in the South Florida community and beyond. I would love to get in touch with any organizations that educate the community on the value and importance of water conservation and preservation. Do you or Eryn know of any organizations like this?
Hi Liza,
There are TONS of organizations that educate on the importance of water conservation and preservation. Are you looking for something in particular? Please feel free to email your specific questions to: [email protected]
I actually just wrote an article about underwater heritage and culture in Florida.
Check it out:
/family-fun-on-a-budget-in-florida.html