Colorado Academy sixth grade students recently participated in the Global Water Challenge, an annual project based on the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. 

 

The project allows students to see themselves as “change-makers” by encouraging them to brainstorm ways to build a just, sustainable world for all. Students internalize the urgency of providing water, sanitation and a quality environment that preserves natural resources, then develop a 10-minute skit showcasing their solutions. 

 

This year, the winning team was in Middle School science teacher, Erin Galvin’s class. The students presented on ways to solve Kenya’s water problems. The winning team was made up of sixth graders Nico Allison, Clayton Johnson, Avia Lauchli, Odicei Okra, and Violet Tetzeli.

 

Says Global Water Challenge organizer and Middle School science teacher Sue Counterman, “This year’s winning presentation by Galvin Team Kenya exemplified the student learning goals. Students in Galvin Kenya clearly portrayed how to make a lasting positive change in their country.”  

 

Each year, the Global Water Challenge features a keynote speaker. This year’s speaker, Joyce Tannian, is the founder of Water Is Life Kenya, which works to bring clean, accessible water to the Maasi community in Southern Kenya.  The organization empowers Kenyan’s to break the cycle of poverty and engage them in every phase of the project cycle.