UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience

2. Key Achievements

One powerful moment came during baseline assessments at Zenzeleni, where children mistook clear water with vinegar for safe drinking water due to its pleasant smell. This highlighted the need for ongoing sensory education and adjustments, such as using Jik for stronger scent differentiation. The sessions also brought to light children’s curiosity and eagerness to learn about their water sources, helping to embed lifelong environmental awareness. In the November workshops, participants not only conducted tests but also presented their results to peers, sparking community-led discussions on water safety. During the February follow-up, community members led test demonstrations, showing how far they had come in terms of confidence and skill. By involving children at the ECD level and working collaboratively with educators and community leaders, the project laid the groundwork for long-term behaviour change, where clean water practices become embedded in daily life. community members to independently conduct water quality tests and share results within their networks. ECD practitioners were able to confidently repeat the water activities in their centres, sustaining knowledge among children and extending the learning into their homes. The programme successfully empowered ECD practitioners, educators, and 3. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships Community Works Programme (CWP) CWP played a crucial role in mobilising youth and ensuring community-wide participation. CWP leadership was instrumental in helping to organize the workshops and sustain attendance.

Water quality training at Zenzeleni ECD.

Water quality training at Thuto Ke Lesedi ECD.

Community Members at water quality testing training.

UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience Report 2025 18