Education Initiative
Since 2011, Water Mission’s Education Initiative has been supported by trained, experienced education advocates passionate about teaching youth about the global water crisis and Water Mission’s work. This resource aims to provide tools and activities to engage students around the water crisis in Charleston and nationwide.
Charleston-Area Field Trips
Our team may host Charleston-area classes to tour our global headquarters, allowing students to discover the need for safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions around the world. Additional lab or empathy exercises provide hands-on opportunities.
To visit our headquarters without being part of the Education Initiative, please visit our tours page.
To inquire about Water Mission’s Education Initiative field trips or school visits, please submit an inquiry. For additional questions, contact us at [email protected].
Nationwide Resources for Educators
If you are interested in teaching your students about the global water crisis and learning more about Water Mission, please review and download our free educational resources and recommendations below.
What Is the Global Water Crisis?
Here are a few quick facts about a solvable issue affecting billions of people around the world.
Safe Water
2.1 billion
Basic Sanitation
3.1 billion
Missed School
443 million
Meet a Family from South America
2.1 billion
After watching, ask your students the following questions to help reflect:
- How is your life similar to Esteisy’s life?
- How is it different?
- Have you ever had to think about getting enough water for your entire family for one day?
- If you had to collect water, how would you do it? How would that impact you and your family?
You Can Help Transform Lives!
Here are a few ways you and your students can help by raising awareness and funds to bring clean, safe water to people around the world.
Raise Awareness
Tell two or more friends about Water Mission and the global water crisis.
Share Water Mission’s work on your parent’s social media or your own (with parent/guardian permission).
Read the books “Water Princess” or “A Long Walk to Water,” and tell your family and ask your teacher if you can share what you learned with the class.
Raise Funds
Host a lemonade stand (download the kit), bake sale, or yard sale (with parent/guardian permission) to raise funds for safe water projects.
Ask friends and family to pledge support for each lap you walk around your neighborhood while carrying a bucket of water.
Invite friends and family to a Water Mission Walk for Water event near you (or start your own).
Education Resources
We invite you to download and use one or all of the educational resources developed for you and your students.
Recommended Reading
Witnessing children become passionate about ending the global water crisis is exciting. We would love for children and adults to grow in their awareness of this critical issue. Below are two books we suggest for students, teachers, and families to learn more about what life is like around the world for those who do not have access to clean, safe water.
Water Mission encourages you to review these books to determine readiness and age appropriateness for your children/students both in reading level and content readiness.
The Water Princess by Susan Verde
Grade level K-3
Nya's Long Walk by Sue Park
Grade level K-3
Brothers in Hope by Mary Williams
Grade level 2-5
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
Grade level 5-7
Contact Us
Thank you for caring about your global neighbors, and for your interest in Water Mission's Education Initiative. Together we can transform lives through clean, safe water. Our team will be happy to answer any questions.
