Engaging Students in Rainwater Harvesting

GWP-C was able to share knowledge on this topic in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Young Leaders Programme at its National Awards Ceremony earlier this year.

The RBC Young Leaders Programme is open to secondary school students in forms 3 and 4 and encourages community development by challenging students to implement sustainable projects that would benefit their respective communities. The 2010/2011 RBC Young Leaders theme was ‘Water: Beyond the Surface - Sustaining Life, Securing Our Future.' Students across the country were challenged to consider efficient methods of water management and they implemented notable projects that promoted water conservation.

For the event, GWP Caribbean set-up a booth and its rainwater harvesting model. GWP Caribbean Water Education Packages were distributed to teachers attending the event.

Demonstrating how the model works generated a lot of discussion by students who expressed interest in learning about the benefits of rainwater harvesting. A few students stated that they harvest rainwater but that the systems in their homes were not as advanced. Some students also raised concerns about the quality of rainwater. GWP Caribbean provided information on efficient ways of maintaining water quality; safe storage options; various types of rainwater harvesting systems; guidelines on the roof catchment area; uses and benefits of rainwater; among other topics.

Attending the event was the President of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards, and Dr. the Honourable Tim Gopeesingh, Minister of Education who delivered the keynote address.