Safe water and environmental learning in rural Puebla

Water is becoming increasingly scarce in the rural and Indigenous communities of Mexico. In the village of Dimas López, located in the Sierra Nororiental of Puebla, the Vicente Suárez Bilingual Primary School faces recurring water shortages that directly affect the health, education, and well-being of its 66 students. During the hottest months of the year, local springs begin to dry up, forcing the school to depend on expensive water deliveries simply to meet basic needs such as handwashing, sanitation, and daily school activities.

At COVA (Conservación, Vida y Agua), we believe that every child deserves access to safe water and a healthy learning environment. For more than seven years, we have worked with rural and Indigenous communities in southern Mexico to implement nature-based solutions that improve water security, restore ecosystems, and strengthen community resilience.

Through this project, we will transform Vicente Suárez Primary School into a living model of sustainable water management by implementing our four integrated water programs.

First, we will install a rainwater harvesting system that captures and stores rainfall, providing a reliable source of water throughout the year. Second, we will construct a natural wastewater treatment wetland that improves sanitation while protecting local soils and water resources. Third, we will establish a water quality monitoring program that allows students and teachers to understand and safeguard the quality of their water. Finally, we will develop environmental education and community stewardship activities that empower children, teachers, and families to become long-term guardians of water and nature.

Our goal is not only to provide infrastructure but also to create a culture of environmental responsibility and community leadership. The school will become a demonstration site where students learn directly from the systems around them, turning water management into a practical educational experience.

The requested funds of $11,000 USD will support the construction of the rainwater harvesting system and constructed wetland, provide water quality monitoring equipment and educational materials, and cover technical training, community participation activities, and project monitoring.

One of our greatest challenges is that rural schools often lack access to funding opportunities that would allow them to address critical water and sanitation needs. While communities contribute their time, labor, and commitment, financial resources for materials and technical implementation remain limited. Climate change is making these challenges even more severe as droughts become more frequent and water sources increasingly unreliable.

By supporting this project, you are helping create a healthier, safer, and more resilient future for 66 children and their families. More importantly, you are helping establish a replicable model that can inspire and benefit many other rural schools facing similar water challenges across Mexico.

Together, we can ensure that every child has access to water, environmental education, and the opportunity to thrive in harmony with nature.