UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience

7 The Youth Leading in Water Resilience Project has made a significant impact across South Africa by equipping youth, unemployed individuals, and community members with practical skills in water quality testing, environmental monitoring, and advocacy. Through a combination of in-school training, community workshops, and hands-on citizen science experiences, the project has empowered a new generation of environmentally conscious changemakers. The project’s skills development component focused on building capacity in water testing using WaterCAN kits, data recording, and interpretation. A total of 200 water testing kits were distributed, enabling participants to test and monitor water quality in their schools, communities, and households. This practical approach to learning was delivered through 120 training sessions, with 60 additional citizen science sessions where learners and eco clubs independently conducted tests and uploaded data. These experiences helped reinforce scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and real-world application of environmental knowledge. The project’s success in youth participation and gender inclusivity is evident in the numbers. To date, the project has reached 16,000 girls and 14,500

Project Impact: Skills Development, Citizen Science, and Youth Advocacy for Water Resilience

boys, exceeding its targets. In addition, it provided vital opportunities for 2,400 unemployed young women and 2,000 unemployed young men to develop marketable skills in environmental monitoring—laying a foundation for future employment or entrepreneurial opportunities in the green economy. Beyond schools and youth, the project also engaged 420 women and 420 men from the broader community, including government officials, in water conservation and hygiene awareness. Their involvement has been key in integrating community-level knowledge with institutional efforts for water management and environmental education. One of the most impactful outcomes of the project is the growth of youth-led advocacy. Learners and eco clubs have not only conducted water testing but have also taken leadership roles in presenting findings to their schools and communities. Their involvement has fostered awareness about water safety and inspired collective action. Through real-time data collection and sharing, young people are now active contributors to water resilience efforts, and their voices are helping shape a future where access to safe, clean water is a right and a shared responsibility.

The project has proven that when youth are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they can drive real change— becoming scientists, leaders, and advocates for a more water-secure and sustainable future.

Moduopo Eco-Committe Plant Diversity Workshop.

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