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Identified Needs
Water is essential for life, yet communities across South Africa, Guyana, and the Netherlands face interconnected challenges related to water conservation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. There is a significant need to educate the next generation about these challenges, emphasizing the role of indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and global collaboration in addressing them. Youth aged 8-12 often lack engaging and accessible tools to learn about these critical issues, leaving a gap in awareness and action for future environmental stewardship.
How the Project Will Meet These Needs
The project, Flow: Stories of Water, Nature, and Us, will develop an innovative educational game in collaboration with Grendel Games. This game will integrate indigenous stories, cultural practices, and biodiversity conservation themes to teach children about the importance of clean water and sustainable environmental practices. Using the insights gathered from qualitative research-including the PhotoVoice method-we will ensure the game resonates with youth in all three regions by reflecting their lived experiences, local water challenges, and cultural perspectives.
A unique feature of the game will be the incorporation of realistic water data. By utilizing manually tested water samples or remote sensors, players will experience real-time information about water quality, pollution levels, and biodiversity. This dynamic approach will enhance learning by grounding gameplay in real-world environmental challenges, enabling children to make meaningful connections between the game and their communities.
The game will:
• Educate youth on water conservation and biodiversity using real-world data.
• Promote cross-cultural understanding by sharing indigenous knowledge from South Africa, Guyana, and the Netherlands.
• Inspire behavior changes by empowering children to take small, meaningful actions to protect water resources.
Timeline
• Months 1-3: Conduct qualitative research using PhotoVoice and story-based prompts to collect insights from youth and communities in the target regions.
• Months 4-6: Collaborate with Grendel Games to incorporate research findings and real-world water data into the design and development of the game.
• Months 7-8: Pilot the game with youth participants to gather feedback and refine features.
• Months 9-12: Launch the game and share it with local schools, community centers, and online platforms.
Use of Funds
Rotary Foundation grant funds will be used for:
• Supporting qualitative research (e.g., PhotoVoice workshops, facilitation materials, and local coordinators): $25,000
• Game design and development in collaboration with Grendel Games: $150,000
• Translating and adapting content to reflect indigenous languages and stories: $10,000
• Integrating real-world water data through testing equipment or remote sensors: $15,000
• Printing and distributing educational materials to accompany the game: $20,000
• Hosting launch events and workshops to introduce the game to schools and communities: $20,000
• Administrative costs, reporting, and contingencies: $10,000
Total Estimated Budget: $250,000
Rotary Club Involvement
Rotary Club members will play a vital role in the project by:
• Facilitating connections with local schools, community leaders, and educators in the three regions.
• Organizing and assisting with PhotoVoice workshops to gather youth insights and designing the game collaboratively with Grendel.
• Promoting the game through public exhibitions, community events, and outreach programs.
• Providing mentorship to young participants, encouraging environmental advocacy, and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.
By addressing the critical need for youth environmental education and empowerment, Flow: Stories of Water, Nature, and Us aligns with Rotary's focus areas of peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, education, and clean water. Through this project, we aim to inspire the next generation to become stewards of the planet and advocates for positive change.
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