Story originally posted on the Youth Service America (YSA) website. See the original article here.

Isabel Birkeland (17, White Bear Lake, MN) is a senior at Mahtomedi High School in MN. For the past two years she has been working as a champion for water and sanitation worldwide, and a champion for conservation and protection of water resources locally. Her service-learning project has allowed her to develop her leadership and collaborative skills and has provided an opportunity to create an event that has impacted hundreds of people. Isabel’s main goal is to provide water and sanitation for more than 600 students in the developing world and to raise awareness among thousands within her own community.

Water has become a highly concerning topic in her local community. The local lake has experienced the lowest water level in 60 years. Although the water level has slowly begun to rise, the community is concerned about water resources and Isabel is promoting water saving actions and raising local awareness through youth engagement.

Two years ago, Isabel approached H2O for Life because she and her friend, Sydney Peterson, were interested in hosting a local Walk for Water to raise local awareness about water resources and provide funds for a school in Uganda. The walk challenges families to walk 3 miles carrying a gallon of water, simulating the long walk taken by people around the world who must do this daily for water. Along the walk route, there were stations with facts about the water crisis, local actions that can be implemented by community members to save and protect water resources locally, and a display of water saving devices for home installation.

Last year’s walk engaged 80 participants and educated 40 walkers who shared the path during the walk. Their event raised $1,900 for the implementation of water and sanitation for a school in Uganda. Her goal this year is to engage 100 walkers and raise $2,500 for the implementation of water and sanitation for a school in Cambodia. As people walk carrying a gallon of water, they realize they are fortunate to be able to turn on the tap for a drink whenever they want. This activity encouraged reflection on the global problem, and raised the appreciation for our water resources as well.

To learn more about the Walk for Water visit the local newspaper where it was featured.