Forestview Middle School eighth-grader Lizzy Richmond said one of five children in undeveloped countries do not live past age 5 because of the unclean water.
In an effort to raise awareness of that issue, students at Forestview this week will be on a mission to help children in Nicaragua with their unclean water. Students will take part in the Water Walk, a service learning project geared for students to learn about clean water, all while raising funds to help students in Nicaragua.
Students raise pledges for their efforts to support water carriers, primarily women and girls, in undeveloped countries. Forestview students and parents then will attempt to walk three miles with 2 gallons of water after school on Thursday in the gymnasium. All of the money raised will go to multiple schools in Nicaragua to help provide handwashing stations, latrines and hygiene education.
This will be the school's fourth time hosting the Water Walk. Lizzy, one of three co-chairs, said anyone can participate in the walk. The student said they have about 600 milk jugs so they are hoping for at least 350 people to participate.
Organizers of the event said the average walk for water in undeveloped countries is three miles, approximately six hours daily. The average water load is 40 to 50 pounds.
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Starting Monday, science teachers will lead daily activities to heighten students' knowledge on just what these water carriers go through. Lizzy said prizes will be given out within the school.
To help raise more funds for the schools in Nicaragua, the organizers are planning to sell Brainerd Senior Center doughnuts and are are working on a Crazy Water Race.
"We are still working out the details on the race, but it will cost $5 to participate," she said. "Our goal is to raise $30,000."
Lizzy said she has learned a lot about unclean water in undeveloped countries. She said she also has improved her communication skills with being a co-chair of the event.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl .
