HEALTH AND SANITATION
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able to create and innovate better solutions to these
problems than the ones that we have at present. My
audience would also encompass individuals of all
genders, races, and financial capabilities, as water
is something that we all share, something that is
truly universal to our survival as a species.
I would primarily utilise the most widely used
social media platforms, which are Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram. On Facebook and Twitter,
my goal would be to create posts or tweets daily
that would illustrate the sides of the issues in the
industry, possible solutions to these problems,
and inspirational quotes from people who have
pioneered water and sanitation technology. Trivia
questions and other fun content would also be
included to draw the attention of the youth.
Infographics illustrating various water systems,
interesting histories on sanitation practices, and
statistics on global usage and access to water
would also be created and displayed on these
social media platforms. Links to IWSH and other
pertinent organisation websites would be added on
these pages so that individuals may further read
on these topics. On Instagram, I am envisioning a
photo gallery of possible actions that the youth can
take to save water and promote sanitation in their
own homes. For example, I can upload graphics or
real photos that show simple ways of conserving
water, such as making sure that closed taps don’t
leak, or to take short showers instead of filling
up the bathtub for bath time. I would ensure that
the quality of these graphics or photos would be
exceptional, so that others may be inspired to do
their part, as well.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
Secondly, for my fundraiser, I am envisioning an
Amazing Race style of an event, wherein families
or different teams can participate to get different
prizes and goodies. Before the event, there would
be a short seminar series, where different speakers
in my local community can talk about water and
sanitation topics, as well as foundations like IWSH.
In this ‘Amazing Race’, there would be different
stations that would all fall under the theme of the
proper use of water, sanitation, and hygiene. For
example, a possible station could be a puzzle-type
game that involves connecting different sanitised
pipelines while avoiding contaminated and badly
maintained ones. Another possible station could be
water pong, but in addition to the goal of trying to
get a ping pong ball into the cup, the teams must
also minimise the amount of water that splashes
over their cup, or prevent any of their cups from
spilling over. In the end, the families or teams that
have garnered the highest number of points would
win a banner, and a congratulatory message on the
aforementioned social media accounts.
Through these two strategies — having a social
media drive, and starting a fundraising event — I
can hopefully spread and promote the advocacies
for which IWSH and other organisations are
continuously endeavouring: clean water, sanitation,
and hygiene for all. I also hope that through these
activities, I would further learn the skills that are
needed to further an agenda and to reach out to
other individuals from different backgrounds. As
water is universal, connecting us all as human
beings, I also hope to be a leader in the future who
will bring people together and improve the lives of
those who need it the most. PA
August 2018 Volume 24 I Number 6