GREEN Belgium20 maart 2006 – 16:27

“More than a billion people do not have direct access to drinking water. Fetching water is a daily drudgery for 18 million children, particularly young girls. This drudgery, to which their futures are bound, is often carried out in difficult circumstances. It is also behind the mass movement and migration of people.”

This are the words of Jo Van Cauwenberge, GREEN Belgium’s Flemish and International Director.

“We want to ensure access for all to drinking water and sanitation, without discrimination, at an affordable cost, in an appropriate location and in total safety. This is a basic human right.”

From now until 2010, GREEN Belgium aims to give access to drinking water to as many children as possible. In doing so, we are also seeking to safeguard their right to an education and to personal development.

GREEN Belgium is highlighting this cause by placing stickers on washbasins in 130 public toilets in 9 Belgian towns. The sticker features an African child whose mouth is positioned at the washbasin’s overflow, so that the safe, drinkable tap water flows straight into his mouth. It also features the message: “It only takes you a second to access drinking water, he has to walk 20km. Water is a human right. Help us give them access to drinking water.”

Jo Van Cauwenberge: “This year’s World Water Forum is held in Mexico City, so Belgium will not be the only country to see these stickers. They will also be displayed in congress toilets and hotels in which congress participants are staying so that the message is driven home.”

More information on GREEN Belgium.

GREEN Belgium, NGO Building the future!

Who cannot be concerned for the future of these children? Will they have access to drinking water, be able to breathe clean air, or find work?

GREEN Belgium is an association that strives to create a fairer world. A world that values solidarity, peace, citizenship, democracy and shared interests.

GREEN Belgium’s 25 partners are developing educational programmes to encourage participation and the establishment of development schemes in which young people play an important role.

In Belgium, they work with more than 1500 schools each year. GREEN Belgium believes that youth centres, associations and clubs are also sources of inspiration.

GREEN Belgium projects are not restricted to assisting young Belgians; the association is also active throughout Europe and Africa.

Help GREEN Belgium to offer a future to young people in Morocco, Burkina Faso and elsewhere in Africa. Help GREEN Belgium and together we can bring drinking water to the villages and schools of Africa.

Visit the sites: www.greenbelgium.org or www.porteursdeau.be