Ford grants help bring water conservation awarness to Lebanese school children

Using an engaging form of theatre, the organizers are not just entertaining children, but most importantly educating them about various ways by which they can help the community preserve such an important resource - water - through a puppet show called "Chasing After Water".

Working closely with Les Amis des Marionettes, Eventa has so far conducted 90 performances, and the results have been both encouraging and refreshing.

"We have been able to enlist the support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture to reach out to children," said Nina Abi Fadel, Eventa's Project Manager for Water For Life.

"This is a stage where intervention and education are critical. It is essential that school children are aware of the importance of water as a resource to the sustenance of life."

According to Abi Fadel, it is important to use puppetry as a platform for education because "it is engaging and immediately captures the attention of children. Through entertainment, we subtly communicate that they can play an active role in the preservation of water."

More importantly, Abi Fadel is counting on the multiplier effect of the programme. "Most of the students who have seen the show share what they've learned with their teachers and their family. That can lead to a critical mass of people who are aware and can take pro-active steps towards the preservation of water," she added.

The students' feedback has prompted organisers to plan an even more comprehensive roll out of performances across Lebanon. The target is to be able to conduct 100 performances and thus reach out to more children.

Support has poured out from both the public and private sector in Lebanon for the initial phase of the programme.

But with a growing demand for more public performances, Eventa has had to turn elsewhere for funding.

"Thanks to Ford's environmental grants, we will be able to continue our performances and spread the message across to an even greater number of students, as well as their families and friends," Abi Fadel continued.

As one of the winners of the 2008 Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants, Eventa received $5,000 which will help the organisation stage more performances, as well as produce complementary educational materials - such as a CD of songs, an activity book, and a fun fact sheet among others - which will ensure the programme's continuity and sustainability.

During the interactive puppet show, students are treated to a number of engaging performances, including a lively song reminding them about the importance of water.

"This is a very catchy tune that students can easily share with their family and friends. In the same show, we also provide a fun sheet detailing more information about water and how it can be preserved in simple and creative ways. Finally, through the activity book, we encourage ways by which the community can take collaborative action on developing solutions to their water problems," added Abi Fadel.

This year, Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants celebrates its ninth consecutive year in helping individuals and groups continue with their ongoing environmental projects.

Since their inception in the region in 2000, the Grants have awarded nearly $700,000 of vital support to nearly 100 projects.

An independent jury panel comprising academics, government officials and environmentalists will select deserving projects active in either of the three following categories: natural environment, environmental education, or conservation engineering.

Non-profit making and grass-root level initiatives may apply for funding.

The project must be ongoing to be eligible for review.