From Awareness to Action: Youssef Leads a Greener Future at his School
Story written by: Zaher Jaber
In a world where the effects of climate change are increasing, water scarcity is no longer simply an environmental issue, it has become a real threat to millions of lives. According to UN reports, more than 2.2 billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water, and by 2030, an estimated 40% of the world’s population could be living in areas suffering from water shortages. In Syria, years of conflict and climate pressures have compounded the problem. Drought and the scarcity of water resources now pose a double threat, especially in the northwest, where fragile infrastructure and limited access to water sources make daily life increasingly difficult.
In such circumstances, every drop of water becomes life itself. Awareness and collective action are no longer optional-, they are essential to reducing disaster risks and adapting to climate change. But how does such change begin? Sometimes, with the small idea of a child.
Youssef*, a 14-year-old boy from a village in northwest Syria, noticed something at school that deeply concerned him: some students were leaving the tap running after washing their hands, wasting precious water. To many, it might have seemed like a small oversight. But for Youssef, who had attended awareness sessions organized by World Vision Syria Response as part of a disaster risk reduction and climate change project funded by World Vision UK, it was a serious warning sign.
Over the course of four monthly training sessions, Youssef learned that water scarcity isn’t just a distant threat—it’s a pressing reality, especially in drought-prone areas like his. Every drop wasted is a loss his community cannot afford.
After noticing the excessive water consumption in his school and following all the wonderful knowledge he learned, rather than simply complaining, Youssef asked himself, “What if I start an initiative to save water and reduce waste in our school?” With his teacher’s encouragement, he launched an initiative with a meaningful name, Every Drop Counts.
The first step was awareness. Youssef prepared posters with clear, motivational messages such as “Don’t Waste Water” and “Water is Life, Don’t Waste It”, and placed them in visible locations around the school. He and his friends distributed simple brochures with practical tips for using water wisely, while also explaining how conservation links directly to climate change and drought.
But Youssef knew awareness had to lead to action. With the support of his classmates, he organised an awareness campaign in the schoolyard. They spoke about the risks of water wastage and its connection to climate change and drought. Within weeks, Youssef noticed real change;
With a renewed sense of purpose, Youssef eagerly joined the tree-planting activities organized by World Vision Syria Response. Alongside his friends, he planted young saplings in the schoolyard, caring for them each day—watering, loosening the soil, and keeping the area clean. To Youssef, these trees were more than just greenery; they were a living shield against desertification and climate change.
Determined to inspire others, Youssef designed posters and brochures with messages like “Plant More Trees”, encouraging his classmates to take part in future campaigns and help protect their environment.
While Youssef’s actions had a visible impact in his school, he was further inspired by what the wider project was achieving across northwest Syria.
Through the generous support from World Vision UK, the project supported more than 35000 individuals in NWS through the following:
Rehabilitated four sanitation systems and drinking water points in schools, improving hygiene and student wellbeing.
Planted trees in six school yards and surrounding areas to expand green spaces.
Restored the Toluol water dam, helping to secure sustainable access to water for communities.
Installed light poles and lightning protection, safeguarding lives and property.
Organized school and community awareness sessions monthly, promoting responsibility for the environment and collective climate action.
Today, Youssef, and his family is proud. He said: "I feel happy because I didn’t just talk, I took real actions that made our school more aware of water scarcity and helped us protect the environment. I believe every small idea can make a big difference. I will keep going until my school becomes green and my community becomes safer”
Youssef’s story is a reminder that combating climate change begins in schools, with children who believe change is possible. And thanks to the Secure Environment and Climate Action project, initiatives like Every Drop Counts show that we are not only conserving water but also protecting trees, nurturing biodiversity, and planting hope for a safer, more resilient future.
*Name has been changed to protect identity