UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience

The Northern Cape faces significant water challenges due to its arid climate, high summer temperatures (often averaging 36°C), and frequent water disruptions. Water must travel thousands of kilometres to reach end users, which affects communities and schools alike. These disruptions can cut school days short and affect the quality of teaching and learning. Against this backdrop, WESSA launched the Youth Leading in Water Resilience Project in the Namaqualand district in October 2024. Between October 18th and 22nd, hands-on, curriculum-aligned water quality workshops were conducted at 11 schools: Port Nolloth Primary School, Port Nolloth High School, St. Cyprian’s Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary School, Okiep High School, S.A. van Wyk, Concordia High School, and others across the region. Over 3,000 learners and at 49 educators participated in these interactive sessions, which were tailored to different learning phases and aligned with the curriculum. Learners engaged in visual pH tests using Litmus paper and explored chemical and bacterial testing using WaterCAN kits. Intermediate and senior phase learners conducted advanced testing including 6-in-1 chemical strips (pH, chlorine, alkalinity, etc.), nitrate/ nitrite, phosphate tests, and bacterial screening (Petrifilm and Aqua Screen tests). Phase-appropriate 1. Learning for Action: Water Quality Training Northern Cape

baseline assessments were conducted to measure prior knowledge and inform support strategies. In December, training continued with 45 Grade 5 and 6 learners from Port Nolloth Primary School. The same methodology was adapted for youth and community members from seven towns: Alexander Bay, Port Nolloth, Okiep, Steinkopf, Carolusberg, Matjieskloof, and Lekkersing. A total of 326 Community Work Programme (CWP) participants were reached. In February 2025, follow-up sessions took place at schools and community sites, addressing questions, troubleshooting issues, and distributing additional test kits where needed. Learners from St Anna Girls School received their 2023 trophy for Silver Decade level.

2. Key Achievements

Test results revealed that water tested immediately after municipal shut-offs often failed to meet safety standards, prompting schools to adopt the practice of flushing taps before use to reduce exposure to potentially unsafe water. Learners also tested JoJo tanks, commonly filled by municipal trucks, and were reassured to find both tank and tap water safe for consumption—an outcome shared by eco-clubs like those at Port Nolloth Primary during school assemblies to ease concerns.

Community members gained confidence and practical skills in water testing, with many requesting additional kits and presentations for use in their homes and local projects. Supervisors were trained to upload test results to the WaterCAN platform, supported by a dedicated WhatsApp group for guidance. As a result of the project, both educators and learners have developed a deeper understanding of local water quality and environmental health, with many taking proactive steps to improve hygiene practices and manage water storage more safely, especially after discovering the presence of coliform bacteria or elevated chemical readings in their water sources.

Steinkopf community member conducting the litmus paper test.

UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience Report 2025 20