UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience

Community Water Champions

The unemployed youth and community members trained through the project are invaluable assets for ongoing grassroots action. Many have expressed a strong commitment to continuing as community water guardians beyond the project. To sustain their efforts the WhatsApp groups initiated during the project will transition into community led forums, moderated by a local leader or authority to maintain momentum. The team spirit and shared sense of responsibility among participants is key to long-term sustainability. As one participant shared: “We started as strangers in a workshop and ended as a team with a purpose – to keep our water clean.” Occasional meetups and refresher sessions will further strengthen engagement, ensuring this network of water stewards continues to protect and advocate for their communities.

Ongoing Mentorship and Recognition

Sustaining grassroots efforts also benefits from continuous mentorship and incentives. Local partners like WESSA, DUCT, or others could play a light-touch mentorship role by checking in periodically (perhaps bi-annually) with school eco-clubs or community champions, offering advice or new knowledge (like updated testing methods or climate info). Recognition mechanisms, such as annual awards or public acknowledgment, can motivate participants to stay active. Integrating the youth-led data and activities into events like science fairs, World Water Day celebrations, or WASH forums will provide goals for participants to work toward. Such events not only sustain interest but also draw in new participants, refreshing the initiative’s base.

Sustaining Water Action

Water Quality Testing at Sedi-Laka Primary School, Tembisa

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