The importance of water - through the eyes of children in the Solomon Islands

Water is life. The importance of water to people was summed up well by six-year old Julian. “Mi laikem wata fo mi no dae (I need water so as not to die)”, Julian replied when asked why he liked water. Julian and his six new friends spoke about the importance of water during a retreat on Sunday 12 March to West Honiara. The children spent the day swimming at Bonege Beach and in the Bonege River.

Access to clean water is an issue in the Solomon Islands. Only 22% of the Solomon Islands half-million population has access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities. Enabling children to have access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities has been a significant part of World Vision's work in the Solomon Islands. World Vision's National School Water, Sanitation and Hygiene project is one of the projects that works directly with children in schools.