Water Mission: More Than A Field Trip
This past Friday, the 5th grade class took a field trip to Water Mission International Headquarters in North Charleston. Water Mission provides safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions for people in developing countries and disaster situations. Water Mission was founded by one of our very own PCA families. The grandparents of 5th grader Thomas Greene, Molly and George Greene, started Water Mission International in 2001 after they responded to a request to build a water treatment system for the people of Honduras after the devastation from Hurricane Mitch. They have worked in 57 countries and have permanent programs in Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Peru, Tanzania, and Uganda. Their heart and mission is to help get safe water to those in need but, more importantly, to introduce people to the living water available through Jesus Christ.
The 5th graders got to tour the facility and see how these treatment systems are built and introduced to communities. They learned the importance of equipping people with the ability to understand their need for clean water and its importance to their health and safety. They also learned the importance of teaching people the need to take ownership of the project, so it will be maintained long after Water Mission has left the area. The students walked through an empathy exercise where they put themselves in the place of refugees who had to flee their country. They learned that the global water crisis is enormous and urgent with over 2 billion people around the world who do not have access to safe drinkable water. One person dies every 37 seconds because of water related illness.
These 5th graders didn’t just learn about the need, but they stepped in and made a difference. Prior to the field trip they read the book A Long Walk to Water, which teaches about water conditions in South Sudan, Africa. They discussed the water crisis and need for safe drinking water. Then, the three fifth grade homerooms competed in a creative and competitive coin drive to see how much money they could raise for Water Mission. At the end of their tour, they found out how they did. Collectively, they were able to raise just over $760! The room erupted in cheers as they heard the news! How awesome to watch our children learn about a need and then step into action to help fill it.
In the entrance to the building, they have a large depiction of the equations and diagrams of the filtration system used years ago by George Greene to develop the first water treatment system. Colossians 3:17 is written over it, which reads “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” These fifth graders saw this verse in action as they toured this amazing place and were able to be part of the good they are doing across the world. A day to be remembered for sure! If you love this organization as much as we do, you may consider participating in their Walk For Water on March 26. Additionally, they have opportunities for adults to give of their time and talents working with their Education and Advocacy Team which helps educate school age children about the global water crisis.
