In Malawi, families spend an average of three hours every day collecting the water they need to drink and run the household. And most often that responsibility falls on women and girls. Globally, women and girls spend a staggering 200 million hours a day on this single task.
When four 5th-grade students from Balmoral Hall Independent School for Girls in Manitoba, Canada began researching global water scarcity or a class project, they did not read those numbers as mere statistics—they were a call to action. Looking to understand the reality behind the global water crisis, the girls reached out to Outreach International to learn more.
Eager to Learn
Our Donor Engagement and Support Manager, Mckenzie Gross Kraus, spoke with the students to explain the root causes of water scarcity, its impact on health, education, and livelihood. And when Mckenzie realized the extent of the girls’ preparation and passion toward this topic, she was blown away.
“Their questions were incredibly professional,” Mckenzie recalled. “They even asked specifically about how gender bias impacts communities that lack access to clean water.”
Mckenzie reminded the students that while the crisis is massive, solutions are entirely possible when communities come together. She shared how small changes at home—like turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or saving leftover water for plants—make a difference, but emphasized that one of the most powerful tools they have is their voice.
Their research and conversation with Mckenzie left the students inspired to act. They organized a school-wide walk for water. And they set out to rally their school community to join the cause.
Motivated to act
A water walk is a symbolic event where participants walk around a designated track or route to gain an understanding of the hours women and girls around the world spend walking for clean water every single day. Leading up to the event, students reached out to friends, family, and community members to pledge donations or sponsor the hours they planned to walk. The event helps participants experience a fraction of the daily effort required to collect clean water.
They even sought out ways to engage the younger students to understand the “why” behind the walk. They visited classrooms beforehand to read The Water Princess, a story about a young girl in Burkina Faso who dreams of bringing clean water to her village, highlighting the real-world daily struggles faced by children their age.
Their 5th grade teacher, Mrs. McComb, shared the impact of their effort:
“The girls organized a deeply meaningful event. The feedback from teachers was incredible—students really connected with the issue through the story, and many even chose to carry water during the walk to truly experience the effort.”
Making a Real Impact
What began as a student project transformed into a powerful movement for change. Through their curiosity, advocacy, and leadership, these four young changemakers raised so much awareness, and $1,948, to help end the global water crisis. And they accomplished something more. They showed us that no matter who we are, we all have a capacity to help build a world beyond poverty.
Learn more about the Global Water Crisis:
- Watch: Learn how clean water transforms daily life for women in rural Africa in our video episode, The Scoop: On Women & Water in Malawi.
- Read: Explore why international frameworks recognize clean water and sanitation as a human right.
- Discover: Understand the interconnected challenge of water scarcity and food security.
How to Help
Inspired by the Water Walkers? Bring the movement to your school! You don’t have to wait to make a global impact. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent, you can host your own Walk for Water fundraiser. For more information, please reach out to info@outreachmail.org
