Don Bosco Network-BOSCONET in collaboration with Asian Paints Pvt. Ltd has conceived and is currently implementing the concept of Water Wise Clubs in schools. The target locations for this project are 9 villages in Rambilli mandal of Visakhapatnam district. These villages face acute water shortage during summer and are hit by storms and cyclones when the North-East monsoon arrives.

This novel concept endeavours to educate children and youth about the need for water conservation, and strategies that can be employed to achieve this goal. The underlying rationale of this project is that children have the potential to bring about social behavioural change in themselves, their families and ultimately the community. The organised and concerted efforts of children force families and communities to reflect on the problem; deliberate on solutions and collaborate on the actions.

Fourteen Water Wise Clubs have been formed in 8 government schools. The Club curriculum has been designed and published and is used by the animators in these schools for conducting weekly sessions for the club members. Both lecture and multimedia methods are used to explain to the students, various environmental concepts and their roles in conservation. Regular games and competitions maintain enthusiasm amongst the young club members.

Following the capacitating of the clubs, 25 awareness rallies on water conservation and tree plantation drives were conducted in the villages, from August to December. These awareness rallies witnessed huge community participation. Placards and banners displayed messages on water conservation and children engaged in sloganeering for the cause. The children pledged that they would prevent water wastage in their own homes and implored their parents and community members to do the same.