Here’s why you’re never too young (or old) to change the world

If you were to fix one of the country’s problems, what would it be?

For Crae Sehwani and Steve Macdonald, 6th-grade students from an international school, access to potable drinking water is a basic right. “I don’t think it’s a privilege,” said Steve.

That’s why they chose water shortage when tasked to solve a social problem for their social studies project.

Through the help of Crae’s grandfather, Mr. Jose Cuisia, Independent Director of Manila Water Company, they approached the Manila Water Foundation (MWF) to find out what they can do. 

“They gave us the idea to help construct a drinking and hygiene facility in a school in Laguna,” said Steve.

They conducted a  fundraising activity selling homemade donuts, chips, and drinks in  school.

“Initially, the kids were given a target of P30,000 to be able to help in sponsoring a hand-washing facility for a school in need. However, they were only able to raise around P3,000. Recognizing that they still have a long way to reach the target amount, they sought the help of their friends and family by giving out solicitation letters,” said Nathaniel Hipolito, Resource Mobilization Manager for MWF.

Steve and Crae were then able to raise P180,000.

Nathaniel explains that the process of partnering with MWF is simple. 

Once they receive a letter of request from a potential partner, they set up a meeting to present their programs and see how they can collaborate. 

“If a partnership is to be pursued, a technical and social assessment is facilitated to see the scope of work both for the infrastructure specifications, and for the community, in terms of health outcomes, behaviors, and habits,” he said.

Last July 9, they were finally able to turn over the facilities, helping 5,300 students have access to clean, safe, and potable water they can use to wash their hands, brush their teeth, and drink.

MWF’s “WASH for All Communities” initiatives have always been made possible through partnerships with like-minded organizations.

They have partnered with the Provincial Government of Laguna, the Department of Education, Clark Development Corporation, MicroSourcing International Ltd., Philusa Corporation, Henkel Asia Pacific, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Rotary Club of Zamboanga West, and Ayala Foundation who have donated for the construction of hygiene facilities for schools under the LINGAP program. 

MWF’s LINGAP program provides clean water by building hand-washing and drinking facilities in public institutions such as schools and health centers.

“Think global, act local – as we were taught in school.  It does not have to be a big, expensive act for you to make a difference. Anyone can change the world, all you have to do is put the time and effort,” said Steve. – Rappler.com

Interested in partnering with Manila Water Foundation? Send them an email at foundation@manilawater.com.

#GoodRap is a weekly column that aims to feature lighthearted yet meaningful stories from here and around the globe. We hope this provides an oasis for anyone who wants to take a quick escape from the gloom and doom of the everyday world.