Speaking out for WaterAid

15th February 2016

WATERAID’S Speaker Network is growing with nine fresh recruits newly trained in Dorset and the South West.

The charity transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities.

All WaterAid speakers are volunteers and form part of a national network able to give inspirational talks and slide shows about the organisation’s work to groups of different ages.

Talks usually focus on stories from individuals or communities who have had their lives transformed through intervention from WaterAid.

They include people like Mariama, 50, from Fayama in Sierra Leone. WaterAid and a local partner helped Mariama’s village to rehabilitate its broken water pump and build new toilets.

The community was trained to maintain the pump, and the toilets are now kept beautifully clean, with hand washing facilities outside. The arrival of safe water has reduced incidents of cholera and dysentery in the village, keeping people healthy and giving them hope of a better future.

Bournemouth Water, which has supported WaterAid since its inception in 1981, hosted the Speaker Network training session at its offices in Alderney.

Bob Taylor, Managing Director of Bournemouth Water and champion of WaterAid, said the free volunteer speaker service helps bring the charity’s projects to life.

He added: "There’s a network of over 500 passionate, trained speakers covering the whole of the UK who deliver inspiring talks in their local community.

“They are trained to give talks on WaterAid’s work, and their presentations can be tailored to any group’s needs. Last year, speakers reached over 100,000 people, championing the message that everyone, everywhere should have clean water by 2030.”

Speakers are confident discussing a range of issues, including subjects such as technologies and specific countries where WaterAid work; solutions to the water, sanitation and hygiene crisis; and how you can get involved.

“Whether you’re a member of a Rotary Club or church group, a teacher, or holding a fundraiser for WaterAid, the speakers can bring the water story to life,” added Mr Taylor.