Water source of life: A case study of a water and sanitation project in Uvira Case Study Student Activities Teacher's Notes Overview This case study examines a water and sanitation project in Uvira, a province of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (formerly Zaire). It examines the work of the Australian Red Cross (ARC), which was the humanitarian aid agency which implemented this Australian Government funded project. The case study demonstrates how aid agencies must work collaboratively with local communities in order to develop sustainable projects to meet community needs. It looks at the strategies and guidelines, which aid agencies employ to maximize the success and sustainability of projects. It also demonstrates the difficulties of undertaking and completing aid projects where political and economic insecurity is an issue. Level Upper secondary Links with nationally developed statements and profiles Note: This case study has been written with particular attention to the VCE Health and Human Development Curriculum, Unit 4, An international perspective on development and health. The case study is also useful for the following learning areas: Health and personal development Health of individuals and populations (Concept strand) Studies of Society and Environment Place and space, resources (Concept Strands) Investigation, communication and participation (Process Strand) Objectives Students will: Explore the view that access to safe water and sanitation is a basic human right and therefore a global concern. Identify the strategies used by aid agencies to improve the health of individuals and the development of communities. Demonstrate the link between primary health care and the development of sustainable communities. Evaluate the importance of international intra-agency collaboration on the provision of effective sustainable relief to developing communities. Identify the complex human and environmental factors which impact on the ability of communities to meet the health needs of the population. Consider the social and economic implications of providing sustainable solutions to international health care problems. Preparation Copy of the case study (class set) Atlases (class set) Encyclopedias (hard copy or on CD Rom) Access to the internet (optional) VRC (optional) Procedure Ask students to identify the role of water in the life of Australians. Ask them to compare it to the way they think water is seen by African communities. Read the case study then discuss the idea that water and sanitation problems have a global impact (socially, economically, politically and ethically). Students should draw concept maps to demonstrate the links between water contamination, human health, community development, and global consequences, including details about the impact at each stage. Discuss the specific problems, which face international aid workers. Brainstorm with students the specific problems, which could occur at each stage of the program. List these up on the board (i.e. lack of resources, insufficient locally trained engineers, continuation of un-hygienic practices leading to water contamination, vandalism of wells etc.) Ask students to pose several solutions to each specific problem. As a class, evaluate each suggestion. Refer to the case study and discuss the strategies ARC used to solve and avoid problems. Optional: Show the video "Water After War" (ICRC) available from ARCV on (03) 9 685 9931 and use the work sheets provided with the video. NB. You may also wish to comment on the alternative notion that in the past, walking longer distances to wells and water sources was an important community / social function whereby custom, tradition and community values were passed on between generations via women to their children. Resources Type of Information Location Water series posters · A series of four posters with the theme of water. Click here for more information and how to obtain copies. GlobalEd Water Case Studies · The GlobalEd website has a range of case studies on water and development http://globaled.ausaid.gov.au/ secondary/issues/water.html The Australian Red Cross · Australian Red Cross Website: http://www.redcross.org.au Use the site search engine for extensive information/maps on DRC, water and sanitation. · International Red Cross Website: http://www.ifrc.org Covers the international work of Red Cross, situation reports and links to the Code of Conduct and the Sphere Project. International Federation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent http:/www.ifrc.org Water Issues: The Red Cross site "Water for Life" site has background information and more case studies and student activities. Water for Life http://www.vicnet.net.au/~redcross WaterPartners International http://www.water.org Video "Water After War" ( ICRC) Covers the issues surrounding water and sanitation with specific coverage of South Kivu. It looks at the role of aid agencies in health promotion. Student work sheets and teachers' notes included. Available to Red Cross Global Education Information Service member schools for free or to non- members for  . Contact ARCV Youth and Education Services on (03) 9685 9931 for details. Online maps and updates on UN relief activities. http://www.reliefweb.int * Further information and resources can be obtained from the Professional Development Providers. Top © Commonwealth of Australia