The Importance of Water with Maya Mopan Primary School

March twenty-second was celebrated globally as World Water Day, but the conversation about protecting one of our most essential resources should extend beyond a single day. This year, the Public Utilities Commission invited schools across the country to participate in a poetry competition with the theme, “Water for Peace.” Primary school students showcased their talents, reciting spoken word poems that called for the protection of our water resources. One standout entry came from Maya Mopan Government Primary School. With a little over a hundred students, this school delivered a powerful message that captured our attention. Sabreena Daly traveled south to meet the students and learn about their message in this week’s Look on The Bright Side.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

On hot days or after a day of physical activities, the body yearns for rehydration. Whether it’s ice cold or room temperature, water is a source of survival for every living thing. It’s essential for bodily functions, ecosystems, and agriculture, making its preservation crucial for future generations. Saxil Cho participated in a poetry competition and spoke about the importance of water.

 

Saxil Cho, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School

“We drink it to stay strong and well. In baths and showers, we can tell. For plants and animals, it’s a live key. A precious resource for you and me.”

 

Cho was one of five students from Maya Mopan Government Primary School, who participated in a poetry competition organized by the Public Utilities Commision. Principal Magnolia Pop told us more.

 

 

Magnolia Pop, Principal, Maya Mopan Government Primary School

“We wanted to show off the talent of our students here. Because most of the time, sometimes we feel like we are a forgotten school, you know, we are in the rural area. So I think this is the best opportunity for us to show what our students are capable of doing. And again, encouraging them in their writing, especially when it comes to poetry.”

 

 

Gia Teck emphasized the importance of protecting larger bodies of water, noting that while we enjoy water for leisure, we must also safeguard it, just as we do with smaller bodies of water.

 

Gia Teck, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School

“In Belize, by the Caribbean Sea, where water flows so wild and free, children play and laugh with glee as they learn of peace and harmony. Water for Peace, a theme so grand, it teaches us to work hand in hand to protect our rivers, lakes, and sea for a future where peace will always be.”

 

Stephanie Thomas, Teacher, Maya Mopan Government Primary School

“They were talking about how important it is for them to keep the water clean. The use of water. For example, for it to water the plants. For them not to waste water. Those were some of the things that they included in their poem.”

 

 

Anya Pop, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School

“It’s about what’s happening on Earth and in Belize. There’s violence coming into the world, and that is how we pollute the water. It is violating the water with pollution and littering the water. And if it starts with us taking action to stop littering, and by bringing that action, it will bring it to the world, and we will have peace, like water.”

 

 

Enola Boucher, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School

“In Belize where the water flows, bringing peace to hearts aglow. From the Caribbean sea so wide, the caves where secrets hide. Blue hole deep, mysterious and grand. Maya mountains towering, a majestic land.”

 

 

 

Stephanie Thomas assisted many of the students with writing their poems. She observed that those who participated clearly understand the value of what they expressed.

Stephanie Thomas
“They did not take it for granted. One of the reasons why is because like, look at us right now. Water is needed and it’s really hot and what is keeping us active is the water. So, for them, they don’t take it lightly.”

 

Enola Boucher

“Well, water is part of our earth. It’s part of us as well. Water brings peace to our world. Without water, we wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t survive. So then water is pretty much part of us, and it brings peace to our countries.”

 

Sabreena Daly

“So what was it like writing a poem like this  to ensure that the public would know that water is peace and it’s important for us to preserve it?”

 

 

 

Enola Boucher

“Well, it was challenging and also interesting at the same time. I had to do some research, but I also had help from my family, my classmates, and my teacher.”

Anya Pop

“Water for peace. In rivers calm, peace finds its place. Oceans gigantic, a tranquil embrace. Each droplet speaks of unity. Let’s guard it with the greatest scrutiny. From kindness springs, let’s draw our sip, and wash away differences in its grip. Hand in hand, let’s spread the call, for water’s peace unites us all. Ki ki ha, se me ti du na, Agua  Rica, nice water.”

Stephanie Thomas

“The message behind it is for us to know that as people we should unite together and to keep water, to remind ourselves that water is very important, not only us as people but for the animals, the plant and everything in Belize.”

 

 

Daijah Shol urged all Belizeans to do their part in recognizing the importance of water every day.

 

Daijah Shol, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School
“So let’s conserve and not waste. Water for peace, let’s make it a taste. Let’s share and care for every drop. In Belize, let’s make water our top.  So here’s to 2024, Water Day. Let’s celebrate in a big way. Water for peace, let’s all unite. In Belize, let’s make it right.”

 

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.