BMMS Supports South Sudan: On May 17, 2023, the Burleigh Manor Middle School (BMMS) in Ellicott City, Maryland, which my younger brother Andrew attends, held a special event: Walking for Water. Hundreds of students wore blue t-shirts with “Walk for Water” logos. The students simulated what 3 million children and 14 million women across the world need to do every day to access water—walk, on average, 3.7 miles to a water source and carry, on average, 5 gallons of water. The 6th grade students simulated this by walking over 2 miles (turkey trot course & CHS track) while carrying their backpacks. The event is not just about walking; it’s also a vital educational tool. Students learned about the global water crisis, its causes and effects, and the specific challenges faced by the people of South Sudan. This initiative aims to instill empathy, global awareness, and a sense of responsibility in the next generation, empowering them to become agents of change.
In the heart of 2023, the world is facing an unprecedented water crisis, impacting millions of lives in various corners of the globe. This crisis is most acute in places like South Sudan, where access to clean water is a luxury rather than a basic human right. The situation has prompted individuals and communities worldwide to take action. These young individuals have embarked on a journey to raise awareness and support for the water crisis in South Sudan through their “Walk for Water” initiative.
BMMS students Walk for Water on May 17, 2023
The idea is simple but powerful: students, teachers, and community members walk to experience, in a small way, the challenges faced by people in South Sudan who must walk long distances every day to fetch water.
BMMS Students “Walk for Water” on May 17, 2023
Scientists predict that temperatures in Sudan will continue to rise dangerously, and if current rainfall trends continue, the Sahara Desert will continue advancing southward at a rate of 1.5km a year, swallowing precious agricultural and grazing land. They need plenty of funding to fight this situation.
Fortunately, BMMS fundraising efforts have been incredibly successful. The school met their $3,000 goal within 10 days. Recently, they have reached the $4,000 goal. All money raised will help the South Sudan schools build wells in their community. The additional money they have received through their fundraising efforts and the coin drive will go towards other community projects the Water for Life Organization supports.
BMMS students Funds Raised through “Walk for Water”
The funds raised through the “Walk for Water” initiative will be directed towards supporting clean water projects in South Sudan. These projects focus on the construction of wells, the implementation of water purification systems, and education on proper hygiene and sanitation practices. By supporting these projects, BMMS students are directly contributing to improving the lives of people in South Sudan, especially children, who are most affected by the water crisis.
