On this World Water Day, young people from Belgium, DR Congo, Burundi, Mali, Ecuador, Peru, Uganda and Benin are speaking out. Their message is clear: water is life and must be protected.
Water is a basic right, but worldwide we face challenges regarding the quality, accessibility and responsible use of water. Whether it concerns poor water quality and a lack of sanitation in our partner countries in Africa and Latin America or water stress and pollution in Belgium, children and young people experience the impact of water problems on a daily basis.
Watch their appeal
In their own words, they highlight the urgent need for clean and accessible water.
‘The water in Bafwaboli is not of good quality and it is too far to fetch it. I ask the international organisations to help us get potable water,’ shares one child from Congo.
Others echo similar concerns, urging governments and international communities to take responsibility: ‘We want to grow up in a healthy world, not a destroyed one. Our water collection is poorly managed. We drink water that is not suitable for drinking.’
For many children, the lack of clean water not only affects their health, but also their education.
Girls in particular face additional challenges due to inadequate hygiene facilities: ‘It is especially difficult during menstruation. Some girls even abandon their studies because of lack of suitable toilets.’
The children are not just speaking up, they are looking for solutions. They are advocating for better water management, promoting rainwater harvesting and calling for change: ‘The person in charge of conserving water resources in our area is you and me. Everything we do can affect the environment and the water resources around us.’
Make space for water
Young people in Flanders are also joining in and advocating for space for water in their environment. They recognise the importance of water conservation and the shared responsibility to protect this vital resource for future generations. Their voices unite with those of their peers in Africa and South America to demand urgent action.
At Join For Water, we hear their voices and we stand with them. We believe in a future where every child – no matter where they are born – has access to clean and safe water, where communities are resilient against climate challenges and where partnerships create lasting impact.
A call to action from Africa, South America and Belgium
On this World Water Day, we call on governments, organisations and individuals to listen to these children – their future depends on the actions we take today.
Watch their appeal
We will show this video wherever decisions are made: at symposia, consultations, debates and political meetings, in Belgium and in our partner countries. In this way, we represent the voice of young people and ensure that their call to action is not ignored.
Help strengthen their voice! Share this video, talk about it in your network and call on politicians to really listen. Together we can make a difference!
