Water, truly called the elixir of life, is one of the most important natural resources, and its sustainable preservation, in one form or another, is the duty of everyone who consumes it. The World Water Day was recently celebrated the world over on 22^nd March 2017. But locally, in my country, UAE, more specifically in my Emirate, Sharjah,  this awareness came about when young, positive, enthusiastic children from all parts of the country decided to advocate the cause of Water preservation, particularly, Wastewater, in accordance to the theme prescribed by the United Nations on this internationally celebrated day.

 

I did my part by partaking in The World Water Day celebrations, which took place from 4.30 pm onwards at the Al Majaz Waterfront, very well organised by Skyline University College, Sharjah and included a variety of awareness-raising activities.  

 

The evening started with an Art Competition that was organised for three age categories, where children had to express their creativity in either colouring or artistically drawing, related to the theme, ?Wastewater and its conservation?. Loads of young eco-champs huddled around tables, pouring their creativity out in the best manner possible, bound by the theme.

 

The Drawing competition was followed up by a spot quiz which was well conducted and brought out the enthusiasm and passion in the children, as they answered varied questions based on international water usage statistics, and were awarded special gifts for their advanced awareness levels.

 

The event was graced by HE Dr Rashid Al Leem, the chairman of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, who gave an extremely motivational and interactive speech to the young children present at the venue, asking them to agree with him and even write to him about how the children conserve water in their daily lives.

There was a bilingual pledge taking ceremony after Dr. Rashid's Speech, where everyone at the venue swore to never waste water, and to do all they can to reuse wastewater, in English and Arabic.  The Water Walkathon was what ensued, and clearly, it had a large impact on the entire section of the community that was present there, because all were energetically shouting out slogans, to attract the attention of the passersby to the cause as well. The event concluded with the prize distribution ceremony for the Art competition, awarding the Top Three winners in each category.

I participated in the drawing contest too,  and ended up winning the first place in my category (13 years and above) in the drawing competition and was extremely elated about the same! 

 

Such events achieve the purpose of spreading the love for the important resources that we must save and conserve, amongst the society, edifying parents, children, youth etc. It is very difficult to produce water in any lab, and only 3% of available water is potable. Hence, I would encourage every reader to take their step towards conservation of water, as we can only make a difference collectively because literally and figuratively, every drop matters.