FHC’s Walk for Water: Coming together for the Greater Good

Four miles.

That’s how far many of the people in Rwanda, Africa, have to walk every single day just to find and bring back clean water to their villages. It’s a struggle that the majority of people in the United States can hardly imagine, and most barely even consider the luxury that is something as simple as clean, purified water. But junior Carly Anderson, however, has witnessed the kind of impact that a small act of kindness like this can leave on the villages that need it the most.

“This Walk for Water means a lot to me,” Anderson said. “I have personally met people in this situation and to see those people receive the gift of clean water can truly make a large impact in their lives.”

Having been to the Dominican Republic twice, Anderson says that it was those experiences that made her realize “how lucky I am to have such luxury as clean water.” She stated that she felt fortunate to be able to help the people in the Dominican and wanted to continue her passion to help others.

Anderson said that the main purpose of this event is “to raise awareness of this issue with a simple solution.” Right here in Michigan, many people rushed to Flint in their time of need and spread their support all over the media. According to Anderson, if the community is willing to help conquer an issue so close to home, they should all put forth effort to assist the people of Rwanda.

“We want to help those in need and be able to provide them with the luxury of clean water, that we are lucky enough to have here every day,” Anderson said.

Senior Sam Plouff agreed with Anderson, stating that personally, she wants to be a part of the walk because it’s a great cause.

“I think that there’s a lot of people who don’t realize that this is still a situation that’s happening today,” Plouff said. “Everyone was so concerned over the people in Flint and I was too, and people don’t realize that this happens for people in Rwanda every single day.”

After having the Environmental Club participate in the Walk for Water last year, Anderson knew she wanted to step up the group’s community effort with helping those in need. She did research, and went straight to the organization, called 20 Liters, to get more involved.

“20 Liters is a great organization and they truly do a wonderful job working with the communities in Rwanda,” Anderson said. “They have created a long-lasting impact, which is the goal.”

Plouff says that this year, the Environmental Club’s goal is to raise $3,200, which is enough money to purchase a rainforest water filter and would be beneficial for an entire village.

Anderson agreed with Plouff.

“The water filters that we will be able to get those people in Rwanda are a sustainable and easy solution to their problem,” Anderson said.

She hopes that not just members of the community, but students of FHC as well come out and join the cause, thus expanding the “Forest Hills Bubble.” She believes that this will also remind people just how lucky they really are.

Science teacher and Environmental Club advisor Chad Scholten added that the Walk for Water should create awareness and educate people on the struggle that other countries are facing.

“We are so blessed with so many things just because we live in a developed country,” Scholten said. “We do not have to think about where our next glass of water is coming from, nor do we have to ration our water for showers and cooking. There are people in undeveloped countries that get sick from the water they drink and because they do not have the medical care we have, can die from Cholera, Dysentery, and Hepatitis.”

Anderson is encouraging anyone and everyone who can attend to come out and support the cause, regardless of whether or not someone is a member of the Environmental Club.

“Our community is a strong community and one that gives back to those in need,” Anderson said.

Plouff agreed, and hopes that they have a full attendance and that everyone can come together and help those who are less fortunate.

“We’re hoping that the community will get involved,” Plouff said. “[Everyone should] come out and walk and learn about the people of Rwanda and what they have to deal with every day.”