This weekend, the daily walk for live-giving water became reality for 74 students from Saint Kentigern College and neighbouring schools. Organised by two UNICEF Youth Ambassadors, Nadya and Saffron, along with the students on our own UNICEF Council, the students came together to raise funds to help address the need for clean water and sanitation for Pacific Island villagers in need. The money raised is targeted to assist rebuilding sanitation in Vanuatu after the devastation of Cyclone Pam.

Organised into groups of four or five to create a family unit, the students walked together for an hour carrying buckets of water - having sought sponsorship for the number of laps completed. The event was to symbolise how more than 2 billion people around the world, who lack a safe supply of water, must walk up to 6km a day or 3 hours to fetch drinking water. Spirits were high but it didn’t take long to discover that the task was more difficult than they first imagined. Water is heavy and you can’t afford to spill the family supply. It’s also awkward to carry! The task tested the students' physical and mental strength, and it challenged their team work skills. A few of the ‘families’ completed more than 25 laps in an hour which was beyond our expectation and was a great achievement.

At the conclusion, the participants came together for refreshments with the funds raised from food sales also going towards their chosen cause.

The students are now gathering their sponsorship money and hope to have raised a good amount for Unicef. Well done to Annie Wang for taking on the organisation at the College.

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