### ‘Schools with Water’, a Key Initiative to Bridge the Water Access Gap for Students in Mexico
According to a 2023 census by Mexico’s Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), over 17,000 public primary and secondary schools in Mexico struggle with limited access to water. In response, Fundación Coca-Cola México (FCCM), alongside partners from the Mexican Coca-Cola Industry, Corporación del Fuerte, Rotoplas, and Isla Urbana, has launched the “Schools with Water” initiative. This project involves the installation of Rainwater Harvesting Systems (SCALL) to provide a consistent water source for schools experiencing scarcity, especially during dry seasons.
### Key Highlights of the “Schools with Water” Initiative
– **Commitment to Education and Sustainability:** By installing SCALL systems, the FCCM and its partners not only offer a vital resource but also aim to educate and empower future generations on the importance of water conservation. Educational workshops and committees are formed, engaging students, teachers, and parents to ensure lasting impacts on school communities nationwide.
– **Widespread Reach and Impact:** Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has installed 319 SCALL systems in public schools from basic to high school levels, improving water access in regions where climatic and infrastructural challenges impede local supply distribution.
– **Launch Event and Statements:** At the launch event in a beneficiary school in the State of Mexico, Rodrigo Feria Cano, the Director of Fundación Coca-Cola México, stated, “Our leading initiative, ‘Schools with Water’, has significantly impacted over 100,000 students, teaching them responsible water usage and encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families. This is just the beginning; we aim to collaborate with more allies to broaden our reach.”
– **Future Goals:** Lourdes Semaan Bissar, a representative from the Mexican Coca-Cola Industry, confirmed that by the 2024-2025 school year, the initiative would reach 30 Mexican states, helping to minimize the water access disparity in public schools through nature-based solutions designed to prevent school closures due to water shortages.
– **Technical Aspects and Benefits:** Ana Paula Mejorada, Director of the Schools Program at Isla Urbana, highlighted the efficiency of SCALLs, which collect between 500,000 and 1 million liters of water annually, securing a 3-5 month continuous supply suitable for handwashing and sanitary use. Alejandro Segovia Ramírez of Rotoplas added that these systems include a satellite flow meter for real-time monitoring and prompt maintenance interventions.
The initiative has been made possible through combined efforts from Fundación Coca-Cola México and eight Coca-Cola bottlers across Mexico, supported by partners including Rotoplas and Isla Urbana.
### Additional Information
For more in-depth news, visit TJGringo.com. Below, we’ve included further updates on “Schools with Water” and similar efforts:
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### Further News on Water Accessibility in Schools
#### Recent Progress in Providing Clean Water to Schools in Mexico
– **Government and Private Sector Collaboration:** Recent collaborations between the Mexican government and private sector actors have led to substantial improvements in water supply to schools. As reported by leading educational authorities, these partnerships emphasize sustainable and cost-effective solutions tailored to specific regional needs.
– **Technology Integration:** Advanced water management technologies are increasingly being integrated into school infrastructures. Innovative tools such as remote monitoring systems are now a standard, ensuring consistent operation and immediate response to any service interruptions.
– **Community Engagement:** Initiatives like community workshops and collaborative platforms are being implemented to foster a deeper understanding and commitment to water conservation practices among students, educators, and local communities.
For continuous updates on this and related topics, follow TJGringo.com and stay informed about the latest developments in water accessibility and educational advancements in Mexico.