As some of you must have known, March 22 was #WorldWaterDay and I decided to do something different, a little more thoughtful. I decided to join Team Nestle in spreading acute awareness on clean water and of, course to save water. With summer approaching India very rapidly, I thought this initiative was a great way to speak directly to the children below 15 years of age. This program was a part of Nestle’s program #HealthyKids. Besides this, they also have programs around nutrition, healthy eating habits, and rural development initiatives.
Today’s agenda: participating in #worldwaterday @NestleIndia #beforbeauty pic.twitter.com/XoZ8Trzdl6
— beforbeauty (@manavisiddhanti) March 22, 2017
The day started with a stop at Nestle House, Gurgaon and meeting the Corporate Communication as well as the CSV team. While Nestle India had something going on in every city, we were told we’d be meeting some children in South Delhi who are below poverty line and battle various living and hygiene conditions. We also had volunteers tell us how they play with the children and help them understand a simple yet powerful message.
Warming up to meet the children! @NestleIndia #worldwaterday #beforbeauty pic.twitter.com/7HVBmBikGN
— beforbeauty (@manavisiddhanti) March 22, 2017
A lively lunch was filled with each of our memories and experiences with Maggie, which was surprisingly on the menu along with a few other staples. What struck me was the culture and ethos at Nestle House.
Eating at the magical land of Maggie creative kitchen. #worldwaterday @NestleIndia pic.twitter.com/FMlK5Zf2gl
— beforbeauty (@manavisiddhanti) March 22, 2017
After our briefing and lunch, we then headed to a park in South Delhi where we were supposed to meet the children. After being warmly greeted by the children and the volunteers, it was time to play. The children, along with the volunteers were divided into teams and asked to play games. Each of these games had a message that the children were made to understand.
Water conservation campaign in Vasant Vihar @NestleIndia #worldwaterday pic.twitter.com/GoPQmF8C4Z
— beforbeauty (@manavisiddhanti) March 22, 2017
#worldwaterday https://t.co/lZRkJGRYD2
— beforbeauty (@manavisiddhanti) March 22, 2017
Warming up with awesome songs and dedicated volunteers #worldwaterday #WaterWeek2017 #beforbeauty pic.twitter.com/oMwX7MVQ0V
— beforbeauty (@manavisiddhanti) March 22, 2017
The children were genuinely involved with their 2 head mentors who had a certain way of teaching them basics on clean drinking water. Some tips included not drinking dirty or adulterated water, keeping water cans closed at home, adding chlorine water. Basic hygiene habits including washing hands and daily showers were spoken of, with high importance.
Soon, it was time to get creative with a poster making competition. The kids and the volunteers were divided into 9 groups. Each group had a Nestle volunteer who helped the children in making their poster around saving water and channeling their creativity. The bloggers were then asked to judge the competition.
The day ended on a happy note of giving out certificates, lots of smiles and laughter.
A big thank you to Team Nestle for their hospitality, their hearty initiative,
and their passion for making a small yet significant change.
What did you do on #WorldWaterDay? Tell us in the comments’ section.
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