Local learner awarded bursary to pursue career in water sector

As South Africa’s water crisis is deepening due to a shortage of this critical resource, Benoni’s Damica Poonan is among the Gauteng learners whose task is finding solutions to this problem.

The Liverpool Secondary School learner has been awarded a bursary by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to pursue a career in the water sector.

This follows her participation in the Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) in Boksburg from October 3 to 7.

According to the DWS, the programme aims to educate learners about water use efficiency, protection of water resources, health and hygiene and invasive alien plants. It also encourages them to pursue careers in the water sector.

The Grade 11 learner took part in the Aqua Enduro action initiative which identified Grade 10 and 11 learners who have a passion for water and sanitation and are also determined to pursue a career in the water and sanitation sectors.

Representing Gauteng, Damica and her peers identified water and sanitation-related challenges in their schools and communities. They conducted research at various dams and came up with recommendations and solutions, which they had to implement.

The province was declared the winner following a water safety presentation and all participants were awarded a bursary.

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