UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience

4. Impact story Phillip Kwe Kwe: A Community Leader Driving Change in Water and Sanitation Health in Port Nolloth

Phillip Kwe Kwe, a dedicated community member from Port Nolloth, has long held an interest in water-related issues. His passion led him to enroll in a year-long course in wastewater management, equipping him with a deeper understanding of treatment processes and aiming toward formal certification. When Phillip learned about the WESSA–UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience Project training for Community Works Programme (CWP) members, he eagerly signed up—and WESSA welcomed his enthusiasm. From the outset, Phillip took on a leadership role during the sessions, acting as a supervisor and taking responsibility for uploading water test data to the WaterCAN platform. His proactive attitude and reliability made him an integral part of the project. Since completing the training, Phillip has become a catalyst for change. He conducts monthly sessions with his peers during routine water testing, using both the WaterCAN tools and his background in wastewater management to educate others. He has trained his colleagues to conduct tests accurately and shared insights on the link between water quality and sanitation health. Phillip’s contributions extend beyond his CWP group. He actively supported school-based testing, joining the WESSA team during support visits in February. He assisted with training, addressed technical queries, and led follow-up sessions where needed. In some cases, he even conducted retests himself, guiding school staff through best practices and helping ensure accurate, ongoing monitoring. Through his work, Phillip has emerged as a respected local leader. His presence bridges the gap between community members and project implementers, leveraging his deep understanding of local context to foster trust, engagement, and shared ownership of the initiative. Living in a close-knit community where relationships are key, Phillip’s leadership continues to inspire others. “I still do water testing regularly, especially after water shutoffs. I actually enjoy it—it’s become something I care deeply about,” he says. Phillip’s story demonstrates the transformative power of community driven education and the vital role of local champions in building water resilience

“This training has helped me better understand the importance of safe drinking water. I’ve trained my colleagues so they can protect themselves and their families. I also included this in my wastewater course portfolio, which really strengthened my evidence of understanding.” Phillip Kwe Kwe

Phillip Kwe Kwe assiting assisting at WESSA teacher training at Port Nollloth High School.

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