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NORMA Group has been working with children’s rights organization Plan International Deutschland (Plan International Germany) since 2014 with the goal of improving access to water throughout the world. With the “NORMA Clean Water” project, we have been actively working in Brazil since 2017 to sustainably improve the living conditions of the local population.
The first phase of the project was successfully completed in 2020. Construction of four new water supply systems provided more than 600 families with direct access to clean water. The second project phase, which was completed at the end of 2023, involved the implementation of targeted measures to optimize the water supply and promote health and hygiene in four communities. As a result, we have reached more than 4,330 people, including 1,464 children. The third project phase has been running since November 2023 – how has the situation on the ground already changed?
Improving living conditions in rural areas of Brazil
The eight project communities participating in phase three in Codó and Peritoró are located in rural areas and are impacted by unreliable water supply, a lack of sanitation, and the increasing adverse effects of climate change. High inflation and the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic have further jeopardized food security.
“The third phase of NORMA Clean Water will continue to expand access to water as well as promote education and awareness about health and hygiene practices. A particular focus is on food security and the fight against malnutrition. To this end, help is being provided to communities in the form of establishing vegetable gardens and conducting workshops with topics such as balanced nutrition, climate change, and resource protection. A total of around 3,100 people are benefiting from these measures, including 2,600 children and young adults.”
Access to clean (drinking) water
In the communities of Matões da Rita and Rocinha, plans for well drilling were developed, and geophysical studies were conducted to analyze potential water sources. These findings will guide the upcoming drilling works.
In both communities, newly established water committees are actively involved in the implementation of the water supply system to ensure that the needs of the population are considered at every stage. The project not only provides access to clean drinking water, but also trains community members in the areas of water use, health and hygiene.
The first workshops for children have also already been held – 136 girls and boys have been made more aware of topics such as hygiene, water use and children’s rights using a playful approach.
Workshop on protection against violence in the community of Codó Novo.
Photo: ©Plan International
Workshop on the topic of children’s rights in the community of Santo Antonio.
Photo: ©Plan International
Food security from community gardens and hydroponics
In Matões da Rita, an agronomist began teaching families how to use the established community gardens. The participants received manuals and kits with rubber boots, sun hats and writing materials to help them.
In addition, materials for drip irrigation and a cistern have been purchased and are planned to be installed in the coming months. The cistern will collect rainwater that can be used for irrigation, which reduces water consumption from the supply system during the dry season. Water can also be used more efficiently thanks to the drip irrigation system.
Photo: ©Plan International
In Boqueirão, the community garden that was already established is now being expanded into a hydroponic garden. Hydroponics makes it possible to grow plants without soil in a nutrient-rich water solution – a resource-saving method with higher yields and lower water and fertilizer consumption.
Construction of the hydroponic garden. Photo: ©Plan International
An initial meeting in Boqueirão dos Vieiras brought together participants from three communities to discuss the successes and challenges of the gardens and to present the progress that had been made.
Participants work in the community gardens and share their progress and challenges. Photo: ©Plan International
Conserving resources and withstanding climate change
Climate change is having an increasing impact on the project communities, with more frequent periods of extreme heat and drought as well as heavy rainfall and flooding. A workshop was held to raise awareness of climate change, particularly among children and young people.
In Codó Novo, the first school fair on the subject of the environment and water was also held which raised awareness of environmental protection among over 300 participants. Students created posters, pictures and artwork from recycled materials.
Parents, teachers and other caregivers were also actively involved, making the event an interactive and educational experience for the whole community.
Photo: ©Plan International
Accompanying project activities
During the project period, two safeguarding training sessions were held with 23 participants from Codó and Peritoró to raise their awareness of protection guidelines, legal issues and their responsibility in child protection.
In order to ensure that the project is tailored as closely as possible to the needs of the communities and that participants can actively influence its development, there are now suggestion boxes and a questionnaire for anonymous evaluation. A feedback system for child-friendliness was also introduced.
