Translated by Stacey Schlau, edited by Nora Walker
The defense of water and life has been a priority and a source of constant mobilization for the people of Santander, those inhabiting the Santurbán plain, the local government, and the community of Floridablanca. They are charged with generating concern about the importance of defending water resources. With this aim, they continue to hold meetings in various neighborhoods of the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga.
In this new movement, the children of the northeastern parts of Floridablanca have met to reflect and build initiatives for water defense. On Saturday June 9, about 50 children from different neighborhoods met and used a variety different activities to reflect on and learn about this resource. They committed to protect the land and to raise consciousness at home and in their communities.
The meeting culminated in the signing of a declaration in which the children proclaimed themselves defenders of the water, leaving their handprints as a symbol of their commitment. Thus was formed a new organization devoted to water and life, which will, in conjunction with other organizations devoted to water, work in the neighborhoods and mobilize on the streets with the slogan, “Let’s save the water, let’s save life.”
According to the adults who attended, “this amazing event is an example of the commitment and sense of responsibility of these young people, and at the same time an example of life. Their example will ensure that the whole community thinks about the future that we are leaving for coming generations.”
Title: Children Proclaim Themselves the Defenders of Water in Floridablanca
Author: Notiagen
Location: Floridablanca
Date Published: June 10, 2012
Source: Notiagen
Link: http://notiagen.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/ninos-y-ninas-se-proclaman-defensores-del-agua-en-floridablanca-santander/
Translated by: Stacey Schlau
Edited by: Nora Walker
(This translation may be reprinted as long as the content remains unaltered, and the source, author, and translator are cited.)