Singapore International Volunteers (SIV) Raise Awareness on How We Can Help Bring Access to Clean Water to Rural Communities

The SIF marked Singapore World Water Day with PUB and its community and corporate partners at Jurong Lake Gardens. Celebrated across the island throughout the month of March, Singapore World Water Day is a platform to encourage initiatives by the community, for the community to celebrate water and raise awareness on water conservation.

This year’s theme was "Save Water. Big Ways, Small Ways. All OK!". The campaign underscored the importance of collective action to secure a sustainable water future, emphasising every individual's contribution, regardless of scale.

The launch event was attended by more than 2,000 people. Visitors learnt good water saving habits through movement in the “Water Rhythm” mass dance routine, which translated water-saving actions into simple dance steps. They put their knowledge to the test by exploring the interactive “My Water-Efficient Home” exhibit and discovered more ways to save water within a simulated environment. They also explored activity booths set up by PUB’s community and corporate partners to reinforce, educate, and encourage a water-smart mindset.

The SIF also showcased its commitment to global water security through its Water for Life (WFL) programme that enables access to drinking water to rural communities. Singapore International Volunteers explained to visitors at the SIF booth how bio-sand filters work and shared their volunteering experiences.

Ms Huang Shilei, a Citizen Ambassador and volunteer team leader said: "It’s been incredibly rewarding to be a Water for Life volunteer for close to a decade.”

“I've witnessed the incredible generosity of Singaporeans from all walks of life on these trips, empowering communities and building friendships for Singapore. These experiences have made me a lot more environmentally aware.”

“Seeing the challenges faced by communities with limited access to clean water has definitely made me appreciate what we have back home, and I've become more mindful of my own daily water habits.”

The SIF has been partnering the PUB for Singapore World Water Day since 2019 to advocate for water sustainability in Singapore and the region. Previous years’ events include the 1.8km ‘Walk for Water’ and community event in 2023 and the beach clean-up in 2022.