A Walk for Water, social action for students

Students and families participated in A Walk for Water

Last month students, parents and teachers from the Montessori School of McLean set out on "A

The Potomac River

Walk for Water for the Azawak". Over 50 people from the school community gathered at Great Falls Park in Virginia, a national park that overlooks the Potomac River adjacent to our nation's capital. In contrast to the abundance of the mighty river, the walk on the wooded trail represented the long journey that children in the Azawak daily travel in search of water. In the Azawak, a region in Niger and Mali in West Africa, water scarcity threatens the lives of over half a million people.

The school sponsored "A Walk for Water" to support Amman Imman's projects in the region which

Water bottles for the walkers

focus on water, health, food, education, women's empowerment and economic development. Since 2006, the organization has brought water to over 100,000 people and animals through the construction of sustainable sources of water.  The event raised over $1,900 for Amman Imman's projects.

Debra Kahn, director of Amman Imman's Wells of Love education program, spoke to the students about conditions in the Azawak region and how they could help. "These young leaders easily understood that "Water is Life" and must come come first," said Debra. "They related to it."

This was the first year the Montessori School of McLean participated in the Wells of Love program. Megan Fremming, a teacher at the school, organized the event. "Learning about the Azawak was so enriching for our students. I would like to make "A Walk for Water" a yearly activity for our school community," said Megan.

In addition to coming to the school in the spring and fall, Debra attended the community event. "My goal is to awaken students with stories and photos about children who are like them -- but do not have access to what's most essential, water," explained Debra. "Wells of Love seeks to instill a global awareness, compassion, and offer venues for social action.  Several parents told me that my presentation made a big impression on their child.  That was so gratifying to hear!"

Schools and groups who want to organize "A Walk for Water" can download a planning guide and contact info@ammanimman.org for additional resources.