Nearly 663 million people around the world do not have access to safe, clean drinking water. In some regions, shortage of clean water is leading to conflicts between communities. Water is a vital source of life and without it communities cannot exit.

These messages were shared with participants at this year’s St Joseph Summer Club in Paola, which, for the first time, organised its entire summer scheduled around the theme of water conservation.
Running for eight weeks for children aged 3-12, the programme offered special activities and guest appearances all related to raising awareness about water shortage and water conservation.

These activities reached a crescendo when the St Joseph summer programme children gathered at Pjazza Teatru Rjal and gave a terrific concert. The popular HSBC Water Programme songs, ‘Water Life’ and ‘Catch the Drop’ were also presented by the students of Maria Abdilla’s Choir.
The concert was free, but the public was encouraged to purchase candles in support of WaterAid, a beneficiary non government organisation of the HSBC Water Programme.

“I like how the bank supports worthy causes, and the Ghana clip was a particular favourite of mine. It is good to note how other people’s lives are transformed by such initiatives. Above all, I believe the evening served to consolidate our school children’s beliefs in extending a helping hand to those less fortunate,” said one of the 900 spectators who filled the arena.

Glenn Bugeja, HSBC Water Programme coordinator said: “By 2025, scientists predict that one in five humans will live in regions suffering from water scarcity. As an already water-scarce island, we must do everything in our capacity to preserve our water resources. We are incredibly proud that our partnership with St Joseph Summer Club has brought real awareness about the importance of water to a significant number of young students and their families.”