Don Bosco Network-BOSCONET (New Delhi – India) in collaboration with Asian Paints Pvt. Ltd has devised and is currently implementing the idea of forming Water Wise Clubs in schools. The target location for this project is 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 which can be employed to achieve this goal. The underlying rationale behind 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.

14 Water Wise Clubs have been formed in 9 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 for explaining to students various environmental concepts and their duties. Games and competitions are held regularly to generate enthusiasm amongst the young club members.

Following the capacitating of the clubs, 16 awareness rallies on water conservation and tree plantation drives were conducted in the villages, from August to October. 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 will prevent water wastage in their own homes and implore their parents and community members to do the same.