Each spring, freshman students at Austin High School’s Academy of Global Studies participate in the Gazelle Foundation’s Walk For The Water program. These students learn about the global water crisis, water quality issues, and the Gazelle Foundation’s work to bring clean water to those who need it most. As part of the program’s fundraiser, they participate in a simulation to collect and carry water a distance comparable to someone who lives in rural Burundi.
They also hear a first-hand account of what daily life is like without adequate infrastructure and safe running water from Gazelle Foundation co-founder Gilbert Tuhabonye. Gilbert was born in Burundi and is now an Austin resident, philanthropist, running coach, and genocide survivor. He describes his own experiences growing up without access to water, and how he didn’t have a sip of clean water until he went to school in the first grade. He explains the physical challenges of carrying water, which the students get to experience for themselves with the simulation.
The Walk Simulation
The Walk for the Water simulation begins with teams of six or seven students carrying empty 5-gallon water jugs from their campus to the trail at Lady Bird Lake. The lake located in the heart of Austin is partially fed by creeks that wind through urban landscapes, picking up debris. It is considered safe for recreation purposes, but it is not safe to drink.
Students struggle to keep their feet and clothes dry as they work on the muddy bank to fill their jugs. Some move toward deeper water, so their jug fills more quickly, while many others comment on the quality of the water.
With full jugs, the students trade off carrying duties, some using sticks to help support the jugs, others foisting the jug onto their heads. They all struggle with the large, awkward containers that are now dripping wet and weigh 40 pounds.
An hour later they reach their final destination and are back on campus. Thirsty and exhausted, they carefully pour the water from their jugs into clear cups to inspect it. None of them are tempted to drink it, they know it could make them ill.
Since its inception, the Academy of Global Studies Walk For The Water program has been shepherded by Devon Steiner, freshman biology teacher, who has been to Africa and knows first-hand the challenges of water scarcity. She also knows the power the simulation has on her students, and these lessons empower the students to become socially responsible global citizens.
Outcomes
Walk For The Water has achieved remarkable tangible results and continues to gain momentum. All of the money raised for the Gazelle Foundation through the program provides Burundians access to clean drinking water. Austin High School is part of the transformative effort to build these clean water systems in one of the world’s poorest countries, bringing clean water to the people who need it most.
Since the partnership began in 2017, approximately 800 freshmen have participated, raising $34,200, which equates to 1,140 people in Burundi who now have daily access to clean water.
Learn more about Burundi and the Gazelle Foundation’s work.
“This is impacting a small village in Burundi. Imagine what you and your network can do for the people on the ground in Burundi. ”
Former Austin High School student Daniel McCutcheon, who helped start the Walk for the Water program, shares his vision and motivation.
Look back at 2019 Walk For The Water at Austin High School.