Perth Voice Interactive

PUPILS and teachers at Winterfold Primary School in Beaconsfield have raised $500 for the Water for Africa charity.

The money will help provide clean water for about 6000 people living in the country.

After returning from Tanzania, Water for Africa founder Phil Hepworth attended an assembly at Winterfold Primary last week to accept the donation.

“He spoke to the students of the hardships faced by so many due to lack of clean water, and the work being done by Water for Africa,” said teacher Carmela Hrvatin.

“The experience has empowered our students to think critically about their world and how water related issues impact the lives of others. It allows them to think more carefully about using water responsibly.”

Water for Africa is a Christain non-profit organisation based in rural Tanzania.

It was founded in 2010 by Hepworth after he read the chilling statistic – ‘‘one child dies every 15 seconds from water related diseases’.

Winterfold Primary is no stranger to donating to the charity – last year they raised $700 to repair a water well that had been abandoned, affecting about 2400 people in Tanzania, and in 2019 they donated $360 to install two taps in Otse, Botswana, ensuring the entire village had access to clean water.

The appeal was co-ordinated by Winterfold teacher Andrew Wotherspoon and his wife Sofia, who were volunteering in Botswana at the time.

“At Winterfold PS we are committed fostering active citizenship at a local community level but also at a broader level and on this occasion international,” Hrvatin says.

“One of our Waterwise student leaders Cong Landwehr took the opportunity to interview Mr Hepworth to learn more about his important work and what we can do in support.

“Incorporating real life experiences into student learning increases engagement and purpose.”

Every year the school takes part in Wear Blue Day with pupils and staff doing activities based on UN World Water Day themes.

This year’s theme was Water for Peace, which included pledges on how to save water at school and at home.

“Winterfold Primary School is celebrating 20 Years being Water Wise this year, an important milestone that reflects our long term commitment to sustainability,” Hrvatin says.

“World Water Day held on March 22 is a significant day for our waterwise programme, as it focuses on the importance of water in our lives and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water.

“We have a strong collaborative partnership with our school community and many parents will often participate in our dress up fundraisers in show of support.

“It’s a very multicultural school, so our students see themselves as world citizens.”

To donate or find out more about Water for Africa see waterforafrica.com.au.