Water, essential element for Venezuelan Children

International Freedom Council (IFC) is intensifying its vital work to bring safe drinking water and sanitation to Venezuelan educational communities, in a context where the severe water crisis impacts over 70% of the population.

In November, we concluded the "Water for All II" Project in Puerto Ordaz, Bolívar state, while continuing to measure the impact of our Caracas project. Our approach combines infrastructure rehabilitation with educational programs to ensure the sustainability of access to safe water in schools.

November Results and Progress

1. Conclusion of "Water for All II" Project in Puerto Ordaz

• Location and Beneficiaries: Batalla de Puerto Cabello National School, Puerto Ordaz, Bolívar state, benefiting a school community of 700 people (students, teachers, and administrative staff).
• Infrastructure Interventions:
• Complete Rehabilitation of the school's water distribution system.
• Installation of a potable water purification system.
• Total Rehabilitation of the restrooms to improve sanitation.

2. Sustainable Impact of the Project in Caracas

• Location and Beneficiaries: A parochial school in Caracas, benefiting a community of 1,400 children and adults.
• Key Achievement: The community, which previously relied on contaminated water, is now equipped with the necessary filtration systems to purify all water used on the premises, as well as a new system to provide high-quality drinking water.

• Educational and Community Outcomes:

• Educational workshops were implemented on crucial topics such as water conservation, waterborne diseases, hygiene, and proper handwashing techniques.
• Students demonstrated a high level of participation, even creating their own homemade filters and learning about various filtration methods.
• "Water Brigades" have been established at both primary and secondary school levels. These brigades are responsible for replicating the knowledge they've gained with the rest of the student body, ensuring a lasting impact on water health and hygiene practices within the school community.

International Freedom Council (IFC) continues its vital work to bring safe drinking water to educational communities. Venezuela's severe water crisis has impacted 73% of its population. Currently, we're finalizing a project at a parochial school in Caracas, serving a community of 1,400 children and adults.

Previously, this community relied on contaminated water. Now, thanks to the IFC project, the school is equipped with the necessary filtration systems to purify all water used on the premises. Additionally, a new water treatment system provides high-quality drinking water.

But our efforts extend beyond just providing clean water. We've also developed and implemented educational workshops to raise awareness within the community about crucial topics such as water conservation, waterborne diseases, hygiene, and proper handwashing techniques. These workshops have yielded incredible results! Students actively participated, even creating their own homemade filters and learning about various filtration methods.

As a direct outcome of these training activities, "water brigades" have been established at both primary and secondary school levels. These brigades are responsible for sharing their knowledge and replicating what they've learned with the rest of the student body, ensuring a lasting impact on water health and hygiene practices within the school community.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is actively seeking resources to replicate this vital project in other schools across Venezuela. We are continuously mobilizing efforts to ensure that more children and communities gain access to safe, quality drinking water every day.