BAY VILLAGE, Ohio — Clean water is a resource many Americans rarely think twice about.
But for millions of people around the world, access to clean water is a constant battle.
The Bay High School Key Club is gearing up for its annual Walk for Water event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 3 at the school, 29230 Wolf Road.
This community initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for the Thirst Project, which works to provide clean water access in Eswatini, Africa.
The Kingdom of Eswatini is the second-smallest country in Africa, with a population of 1.16 million people.
With high rates of unemployment and HIV, bringing safe, clean drinking water can make an incredible impact on the well-being of its residents.
“Having worked with the Thirst Project in the past, we were motivated to focus on their mission again,“ said Key Club member Mirella Martin.
“The reality is that people in Eswatini lack access to clean water, often walking an average of 3.75 miles to collect unsanitary water,” she said.
“This not only exposes them to deadly diseases like schistosomiasis (a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes — flatworms — that live in certain types of freshwater snails) but also significantly raises death rates in Eswatini.”
Colin Kidik, another Key Club member, reflected on past events: “It has always been a tremendous success. We have learned a lot from past events, like to schedule the event when the weather is nicer.
“The highlight is seeing the community come together to address the global water crisis.”
This year, the Key Club anticipates a turnout of a few hundred participants.
“It’s going to be a busy day, with music performances and athletic events. We’ll also be offering donuts from a local bakery and cookies this year,” Colin said.
In years past, the event has provided poignant moments that underscore the importance of the cause.
Colin recounted a touching experience: “A young boy, probably in fourth or fifth grade, came up to our table. He tried to lift a jerrycan that weighs almost 45 pounds.
“He couldn’t walk more than 10 feet with it. The reality is that kids in Africa have to walk nearly four miles with that same weight every day.”
“It gave us a perspective we wouldn’t have otherwise had and deepened our commitment to ending the global water crisis.”
Mirella emphasized the critical message behind the event: “It’s easy for people to overlook the luxury of having access to clean water. We need to raise awareness about those who go to extreme lengths to obtain drinking and bathing water that most wouldn’t even touch.
“Waterborne illnesses are devastating, with about 1,000 children dying every day due to this crisis.
“However, building a well can reduce disease rates by about 88 percent and child mortality rates by approximately 90 percent overnight,” she said.
Every participant in this event helps give others a chance at a better life, which is incredibly impactful.
“Community members can get involved by simply showing up and walking the 3.75 miles, which gives them a sense of what people in underdeveloped parts of Africa endure daily,” Colin said.
“They can also donate to the cause, as it only costs $25 to save a life.”
Adults pay $10 to participate in the walk and students/children pay $5. All donations are also welcome.
Join the community of Bay Village as they raise funds and awareness for the necessity of clean water in Eswatini, Africa.Bay Village School District
For more information about the Thirst Project, visit www.thirstproject.org/eswatini .
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