UNICEF Youth Leading in Water Resilience

Crucially, the momentum generated by this project should be leveraged. The participants – the newly minted “water warriors” – are a resource to cultivate. Many of them will continue on to higher grades, new schools, or jobs; maintaining a network (perhaps an alumni network of youth environmental leaders) can keep them connected to the cause and to each other. They can serve as peer mentors or champions in future projects, creating a virtuous cycle of youth-led training. UNICEF and WESSA, along with partners like WaterCAN and government bodies, should explore forming a Youth Water Resilience Council or similar body, where outstanding youth leaders from this project can continue to contribute ideas and energy, and help guide replication efforts. This not only sustains their interest but also provides valuable youth perspective in ongoing WASH and climate resilience programming. The project’s outcomes could feed into South Africa’s National Water and Sanitation Master Plan actions on community-based management. On a larger scale, as the world grapples with climate change, this project offers a scalable model for empowering young people to champion water security and resilience. The concept of youth-led adaptation, where communities bolster their resilience to climate impacts (like water scarcity) through youth action, is gaining traction. South Africa can lead in this space, taking the lessons from this project to inform international best practices.

Community members in Villiers conducting water quality testing using the WaterCan testing kits.

There is an opportunity for similar projects focusing on other facets of climate resilience – for example, youth leading in sustainable agriculture or energy conservation – using the approach honed here.

In conclusion, the close-out of the Youth Leading in Water Resilience Project is not so much an ending as it is a launching point for broader initiatives. The project leaves behind empowered youth, informed communities, strengthened partnerships, and a set of proven practices. By consolidating these gains and acting on the recommendations provided, stakeholders can ensure that the project’s impact is sustained and amplified. South Africa’s water security challenges remain significant, but this project has shown a pathway forward: one where youths are at the helm, leading their communities with courage and conviction towards a more resilient future. As these young water custodians continue their journey, supported by ongoing community and policy efforts, we can be optimistic that the seeds planted by this project will grow into a wider movement – securing water, improving lives, and demonstrating the remarkable change that is possible when youth lead from the front.

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