Will you Drink My Water?

 

Objectives

To understand and appreciate the importance of proper sanitation facilities

 

Subjects

Health sciences

 

Nature

Cognitive, reflective

 

 

Rationale:

It is essential for people to have access to sanitation facilities and clean water. Many communities, however, do not have toilets, proper sewers, clean drinking water, adequate methods for preserving food, etc. This activity will help the group discover the seriousness of the problem and prompt them to develop solutions.

 

Method:

The educator will choose three stories (e.g. St. Kitts, Haiti, Amazonas), from the book which make reference to sanitation problems. The stories could mention problems such as open dumps, poor drainage, poor toilet facilities, or lack of accessible drinking water.

 

The educator will read these stories out loud while the participants write down of all the sanitation problems mentioned. Problems will be written on flipchart paper when the three stories have been read.

 

One the problems have been identified then the group will decide on possible solutions to these problems, e.g. education programs or provision of proper pit toilets. Discuss if these are realistic solutions.

 

Depending of the maturity and interest of the group, the educator could focus the discussion on the elements which influence sanitation practices: e.g. government priorities, socio-economic factors, international aid.

 

Materials:

Text: Families of the World

Discussion topics, scenarios

Writing materials

 

Follow-up:

What is being done: Individuals can write a research paper listing the various Canadian organizations that are involved in improving sanitation facilities in other countries and teaching people appropriate hygiene practices.