On March 22, the World Water Day, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) and UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa (UNESCO Nairobi) jointly launched Water Education English Series. The Water Education English series comprises three cartoon books solely focusing on water education for the youth.
The Water Education English series
Set by three age groups covering K-12 education, the books employ jingles, rhymes, word games, experiments, field excursions, mock hearing, etc., to impart water knowledge with fun and joy.
The launching ceremony
The launching ceremony was attended by heavyweight actors of the water community, who congratulated the publication of the Water Education English series.
Mr. TIAN Xuebin, Vice Minister of Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) of China, appreciated the positive role of the Water Education series in raising the young generation’s awareness of cherishing and saving water in his opening speech. He regarded the books’ launch as a clear manifestation of China's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and quality education (SDG 4). He expressd the hope for the series to help young people in Africa and other places in the world get a better understanding of the importance of water.
Mr. TIAN introduced the outreach activities focusing on saving, valuing and protecting water held by MWR during the 34th China Water Week, from March 22 to 28. He delivered China’s willingness to work with the international community for the achievement of water-related SDGs.
Address from .Mr. TIAN Xuebin
Dr. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences of UNESCO, expressed her gratitude to partners for their efforts in translation and promotion of the series. She pointed out that water education has to start as early as possible. She appreciated the Water Education English series for vividly introducing water-related knowledge to school-age children with fascinating animations, experiments and stories. The books will also help engage local communities in improving water quality in Africa.
Address from Dr. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO
Dr. KUANG Shangfu, President of IWHR, said water education for teenagers is key to achieving smart water use and sustainable development of water. As a leading national institute in water resources and hydropower research in China, IWHR has always been proactively making water-related knowledge, technologies and cutting-edge achievements accessible to the public in a bid to fulfill its social responsibility.
Address from Dr. KUANG Shangfu, President of IWHR
Dr. Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Beijing Cluster Office, Giuseppe Arduino, Chief of Eco-hydrology, Water Quality and Water Education Section (EQE）of UNESCO, and other participants also expressed their congratulations and expectations for the books’ subsequent dissemination.
China and UNESCO share similar aspirations regarding advancing global water education. The newly launched English series was well received within the UNESCO network and stakeholders. Planning to deliver the books first to Eastern African schools, IWHR and UNESCO are considering translating Spanish and French versions to serve most UNESCO member states.
Click here for the introduction clips of the Water Education English series.
