Young Water Guardians: How Students in Birjand Are Leading the Way in Water Conservation

When my colleague and I arrived in Birjand on a crisp December morning, we were welcomed by a team of experts from the Water and Water waste Company (WWC), eager to take us to a special event - the “Water Celebration.” This UNICEF-supported initiative builds on long-standing educational programs about water conservation, implemented jointly by the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Education. As we drove through the dry landscape of Birjand, it was clear why such efforts were essential: every drop of water mattered.

In the car, WWC experts explained that renovating old water facilities and raising awareness about responsible water use were top priorities. That’s why UNICEF, through its WASH and Social and Behavior Change (SBC) programmes, had stepped in not only to upgrade water taps, drinking fountains, and restroom facilities in schools but also to launch an educational campaign called “Water for all, all for Water”. This campaign reached 700 students across three primary schools, engaging them as active participants in water conservation through the “Water-Guardians” initiative.

A Celebration of Water Awareness:

Upon arrival at Sanderos School in Birjand, we stepped were welcomed into a vibrant celebration hall filled with energy and enthusiasm. More than 340 Iranian and Afghan students, all wearing colorful caps adorned with water drop symbols, held educational pamphlets about responsible water use. Around the hall, students’ artwork lined the walls, showcasing creative expressions of the importance of water. A lively water-themed song played in the background, setting the tone for an engaging event.

The celebration featured a variety of activities, students shared traditional stories about water conservation, animated characters highlighted the consequences of water waste, and winners of a water themed painting competition were announced. The event ended with a powerful call to action from school authorities, encouraging students to become agents of change in their families and communities.

After the event, we toured the newly renovated water facilities, including modernized drinking fountains, upgraded taps, and repaired restrooms facilities - supported by UNICEF. It was heartwarming to see children excited about these improvements. “Upgrading the taps and water facilities has made a big difference. Now, there’s no more leaking water!” shared Ahmad, a third-grade student. “Some of us used to worry about the old taps wasting water,” added Pooya, another student. Their words reaffirmed the impact of UNICEF’s support—not just in improving infrastructure but in fostering a sense of responsibility among students.

Students as Water-Guardians:

The “Water-Guardians” initiative aims to empower students to take an active role in water conservation. Through training sessions with WWC experts and educational materials, children learn how to advocate for responsible water use, both in school and at home. Recognizing the potential of this initiative, school authorities and government officials expressed their commitment to expanding it. “Students are the best ambassadors for water conservation. Their engagement will not only shape their behavior but also influence their families and communities,” said Mr. Asemani, the school principal.

Looking Ahead: A Student-Led Water Movement; Closing ceremony

UNICEF with the cooperation of the Ministry of Energy and WWC plans to support strengthening and expanding the “Water-Guardians” initiative across more schools in 2025,

UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and WWC, aims to expand the Water-Guardians initiative in 2025, empowering more student volunteers to promote water conservation. The Water for All, All for Water campaign, reaching 5,000 students, culminated in a closing ceremony in February 2025, with high-level participation from government officials, UNICEF representatives and 400 students. The event highlighted the role of children in water conservation, featuring an exhibition of student artwork, interactive activities, role playing, and a call to scale up the initiative nationwide. During the event students were fully engaged and attentive to the ceremony while exchanging and playing with one another in the hall.

Following the ceremony, UNICEF and WWC will strategize on further expansion, integrating more sectors into the programme. This marks a milestone in UNICEF’s efforts to raise awareness about water conservation in schools with the support of students. As our visit concluded, I was convinced that investing in young people as water guardians can create lasting change. With the right education and support, students can be the driving force behind a more sustainable future for Iran’s water resources.