Embedded Files
Meet Malika, an eight-year-old girl who has to walk 3 hours every day to get water that could kill her and her family. But you can help!
Malika is an eight-year-old girl who lives in the Central African Republic. She walks 5 miles every day for water that has been exposed to all kinds of germs. She could spend this time in school, but instead, she is forced to fetch water.
The most important Sustainable Development Goal for people to achieve first is #6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. Some countries experience this problem more than others. This happens because some countries are “underdeveloped,” meaning that they aren't as economically developed. If we address SDG #6 first, then fewer people fall ill, leading to improved healthcare, which is a key component of SDG #3 (good health and well-being). Fixing SDG #6 also leads to children around the world spending more time at school than collecting water, which they might know could harm them. With this, we would also be addressing SDG #4 (quality education). Finally, we would spend less money on water to reduce poverty, which fixes SDG #1 (no poverty). According to the UN flipbook, “Water scarcity and inadequate sanitation have a huge cost, not least of all the number of people, especially children, who die from diseases every year. Water is essential for life, and therefore should not be polluted but rather be recycled and reused by everyone.” Also, according to the UN website, “Water is essential not only to health, but also to poverty reduction, food security, peace and human rights, ecosystems, and education.” A result of this is that contaminated drinking water can make you sick, and children may be unable to attend school because they have to collect water. Ultimately, the most important SDG for people to achieve first is #6, clean water and sanitation.
Artist notes - Wyatt
I drew the world and put symbols that showed no clean water. I did this to show the lack of clean water that parts of the world have.
Artist notes - Mirabelle
I made mine a visual to make everyone see how hard some people work for water.
Artist notes - Travis
I drew this map and put raindrops in North America, Asia, and Africa, but in Africa, I put a big raindrop to show that it needs the most water. I made my map to show that people around the world need clean water, especially in Africa.
Civic Reflection - Wyatt
Due to this project, I have become an active and informed citizen. SDG #6 has changed me to want to help people who need clean water. I have become a change-maker by using less water.
Civic Reflection - Travis
In this project, I have been an active and informed citizen. Learning about SDG #6 has impacted me a lot because we in Armonk have way more stuff than people around the world, so now I am being more careful by not dumping water or taking too long in the shower. I think I have become a change maker.
Civic Reflection - Mirabelle
This project has changed me because now I know the hard times that people go through. I am now a more active and informed citizen who can help fix this sustainable development goal.
Actions to Take
Use less water
You can get involved in World Water Day and World Toilet Day
Invest in water research and development
Try to get other people involved
Take part in cleaning your community, especially cleaning local ponds, rivers, or lakes
Stay informed about this SDG
Inspirational Quotes
"Thousands have lived without love, not one without water." - W. H. Audin
"When the well is dry, we know the value of water." — Benjamin Franklin
"Water is critical for sustainable development, including environmental integrity and the alleviation of poverty and hunger, and is indispensable for human health and well-being." - United Nations
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