UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience

Gauteng, like many regions in South Africa, faces growing water challenges, including limited access to safe drinking water, climate change pressures, and water infrastructure issues. Recognizing the need to build water resilience from an early age, the UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience Project was launched in January 2025, with a strong focus on education through schools and community-based initiatives. The WESSA Gauteng implementing team led the rollout through engaging school assemblies and classroom lessons, reaching thousands of learners and educators across multiple schools. A key focus was placed on developing the capacity of school eco-committees to lead water quality testing demonstrations and raise awareness on water conservation. The project officially launched at Sedi-Laka Primary School on 22 January, where 1,056 learners were introduced to tap water quality testing. Assembly trainings followed at Tembisa School of Specialisation (740 learners), Moduopo Primary (972), Jiyana Secondary (922), and Tembisa West Secondary School (897). During each assembly, eco-committee members demonstrated chemical and microbial water tests, supported by visual aids like cameras and projectors. Where assemblies were not feasible, classroom-based 1. Learning for Action: Water Quality Training Gauteng

Eco-Committee Teacher Opening the WASH Assembly at Jiyana Secondary School.

lessons were conducted at Masiqhakaze Secondary School (154 learners), Umthambeka Primary School (171), and Winnie Mandela Secondary School (327) between February and March 2025. These interactive sessions aligned with the CAPS curriculum and promoted learner-driven inquiry into water conservation and testing techniques. In addition, on 26 March, five Gauteng schools will join 115 schools across the country in participating in the Water Warriors Campaign to mark World Water Day. Learners will conduct water quality tests, contributing to a national database and highlighting the vital role of youth in citizen science and environmental monitoring.

2. Key Achievements

The project successfully equipped thousands of learners with practical skills in water quality monitoring, fostering environmental responsibility and scientific curiosity. One standout moment occurred at Sedi-Laka Primary, where a learner-led water pledge demonstrated the depth of student engagement and commitment. At each school, learners were not only participants but facilitators—eco-committees led the way in showing how to test for pH, chlorine, and bacteria using real-time demonstrations.

Classroom-based sessions proved equally powerful. At Umthambeka Primary School, the Valentine’s Day celebration took a creative turn with the theme “Love the Earth,” integrating environmental stewardship into cultural observances. Learners showed impressive independence in conducting tests and interpreting results, with many expressing excitement to share what they’d learned with their families. Follow-up testing between January and March revealed the lasting impact of the training—schools began conducting their own assessments, submitting data, and embedding water quality checks into routine environmental education activities.

On 7 March, several participating schools were honoured at the WESSA Schools Awards in Gauteng: • Tembisa School of Specialisation received a Green Flag (3 years) • Sedi-Laka Primary School earned a Gold Award (4 years) • Moduopo Primary School received a Platinum 1 Award (6 years) • Jiyana Secondary School celebrated a Silver Decade Award (12 years) These accolades reflect the schools’ sustained dedication to environmental learning and their leadership in the UNICEF WASH initiative.

UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience Report 2025 14