Water

Without water, you cannot survive. But did you know that even if you can find water, sometimes the water is so unsanitary it can kill you?

You have easy access to clean water every day. You need only walk to the closest faucet with a glass and you can drink to your heart’s content without ever having to worry about getting sick. It’s clean. It’s safe. It’s nourishing. Heck, in most cities it even helps prevent cavities in your teeth.

But that isn’t the case everywhere. In fact, it isn’t the case for most of the world.

Check out this month's video to learn more.

Think About:

What would it be like to worry about the water you use every day? Think through your day, how often do you reach for water…to drink, to shower, to wash dishes, etc.

How would you feel if you had to miss school to carry water for your family all day? What would you think about the people around the world who could help but choose not to?
Describe one way your life would be really different if you didn’t have easy access to clean water.

Describe what the world would look like if every person living in it had access to clean, safe water.

Activities:

Can you do it? Using empty gallon milk jugs or other large containers, see how far you can carry them before your arms get tired. Or have a friend or family member video you as you stand an hold them as long as you can. For an extra challenge, try to carry it on your head. How far did you go? How many minutes could you hold the containers before your arms hurt? If you're doing this with a group, who could do it the longest? Imagine having to do this for hours. What would change about your life?

Send us your video from activity one or a short video sharing how you feel about what you learned this month. Email it to: [email protected]. Maybe we will choose yours to share on our website!

Water Logged. For one day, keep a water log. Write down every time you use water throughout the day. Each time you turn on a faucet, note what you're using it for and how much you used. How often did you use water? How much water do you think you used? How much did your whole family use combined?

Beyond the Basics Challenge. Use the links and resources in the resource center to learn more. If you're working with a group, divide into partners. Each small group can take one of the links, read the information found there, and take turns sharing what they learned with the group. If you're working on your own, read a few of the links and share what you learn with a family member.

Challenge. Women and girls around the world carry most of the water, sacrificing their time in school to get water for their families. Use the button here to find directions to set up your own personal fundraising campaign. Then invite every female family member to donate on your own personal page. How much can you raise together to help women and girls in families in other parts of the world? MGA will send the money to a group helping eradicate water issues around the world and you get MGA points to spend.