South Africa, Eastern Cape
Cultivating Safety and Awareness in a Citrus-Growing Community Beside an Elephant Park
Nestled next to a national elephant park, a vibrant citrus-growing community relies heavily on an intricate canal system that irrigates their farms. At a community meeting, the park's Director was deeply moved by a heart-wrenching revelation: 75 young lives, some as young as two years old, had been tragically lost to the canals' hidden dangers. Despite their critical role in agriculture, these canals harbored a perilous undertow when water was released by the municipality, a threat indiscernible to the naked eye.
In an earnest attempt to address this crisis, the Director introduced three portable pools, intending to offer a safer water environment for the community. However, this well-intentioned solution faced challenges due to high crime, substance abuse, and hygiene concerns, falling short of its goal to significantly impact water safety.
We were then contacted by an ally and stepped in to reshape this narrative. Recognizing the complexity of the situation, we developed a comprehensive strategy for the Director, focusing on a holistic approach to water safety. This multifaceted plan included creating a culture of swimming proficiency, establishing a lifeguard program, and addressing the underlying community issues. Our proposal presented to the Citrus Growers Association encompassed not just immediate safety measures, but a sustainable model for fostering a community that is both water-conscious and water-safe.
This story is an unfolding journey of resilience, community empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of a safer future, resonating with the very core of what we do.