Summary:
This chapter shows the stark differences between the United States and Nigeria when it comes to water. The differences in obtaining water, water usage, and expectations of water are so great, it is startling. Students will hear the story of Aylito and how she spends 8 hours of her day fetching water, which is not even clean, for herself and her family. The unclean water is the source of their livelihood, while at the same time, the cause of recurring illness and disease. Aside from the possibility of the drought ending, which would only alleviate some of the problem, she finds it hard to imagine her situation improving. Students who read this chapter will very quickly see what others on this planet face daily when it comes to clean and safe drinking water. Wrapping up, this chapter also describes a new, hopefully more sustainable, water project that just might change Aylito’s life by bringing clean water right into her village.
Why Use this Chapter:
Why use this chapter? You can’t ask for a more direct and easy way to show students the vast differences in water access. If students haven’t thought about water issues before, they will after reading this.