Clean water is a basic human necessity, yet many street children around the world lack access to this essential resource. In an effort to address this issue, organizing a clean water distribution campaign for street children can make a significant impact on their health and well-being.
Step 1 – Select your Group of Recipients and Target Area(s)
- Consider factors such as the age group, location, and specific needs of the street children in order to tailor your efforts for maximum impact.
- Research and collaborate with local organizations or authorities to gain insights into the demographics and challenges faced by street children in the chosen areas
Step 2 – Select the Number and Type of Items you want to give away
- Common items may include bottled water, water purification tablets, water filters, and water storage containers.
- Ensure that the selected items are practical, easy to distribute, and suitable for the specific needs of the street children.
- Consider the size of the population to ensure an ample supply for everyone in need.
Step 3 – Plan a Setup and Flow of Distribution
- There are two parts of the distribution: Transportation and Handover
- Transportation: Do you want to use a vehicle? Can you do it alone or do you need help? Can you load everything at once or need to go back in between to load more items? Do you for example need storage so the water doesn’t get contaminated?
- Handover: How will you find the recipient? How will you approach him/her? Will you say something before or afterwards?
- Consider factors such as the location for distribution, the time of day, and any potential challenges that may arise. It is most suitable to do the handover during morning to noon.
- If you have to record the handover, don’t hold the camera straight into your recipient’s face or even ask them to pose. Recipients will not feel good about receiving your gift if they are just used for your video.
Step 4 – Buy and prepare all Materials required for your Plan
- Ensure that water containers are clean, and any water purification methods are tested and ready for use.
- Collaborate with local vendors or suppliers to source materials economically.
Step 5 – Organize help for Distribution if necessary
- Large-scale clean water distribution may require additional manpower. Collaborate with local volunteers, community organizations, or NGOs to ensure a well-coordinated effort.
- Look to hire help from local drivers or errand-runners if the distribution requires a large-scale distribution
- Personalized notes expressing empathy, solidarity, and hope can make a significant impact on the recipients.
- Make sure the vehicle is able to support the total size and weight
Step 6 – Do the Distribution
- Interact with recipients respectfully, fostering a positive and empathetic environment. Ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water.
- Additionally, consider incorporating educational elements into the distribution, such as short sessions on the importance of clean water, hygiene practices, and its impact on overall health.
- Prepare some more time than you think for unexpected situations (traffic, not finding enough recipients right away, etc.)
- Be flexible in case something goes wrong to at least make the best out of it for yourself and the recipients. It’s the thought that counts and many people will appreciate that already.
- Document the distribution process through photos and videos to create awareness and showcase the positive impact of your efforts.
