Bangalore’s Safe Water project, supported by the Club’s water technology partner Xylem, was the top voted project in the 2018 Cityzens Giving campaign. Last month, six fans were given a unique opportunity to see the project in action and build two clean water towers which will have a life-changing impact on the local community.
Colin and Tom from Manchester, Desrie from Bangalore, Yang from Beijing, Lauren from Philadelphia and Stephen from New Jersey were selected based on their commitment to making a positive impact in their own communities. You can find out more about their community stories here.
Despite Bangalore being one of the world’s fast-growing cities with its population increasing by 8% year-on-year, many of its 12.3 million residents do not have access to clean drinking water.
As a result, many children within the city are at risk of contracting water-borne diseases. This not only affects their health but also keeps them out of school, which can have a detrimental impact on their education.
Working alongside four local employees from Xylem, the City volunteers spent the first two days building the water towers in two government primary schools.
Using the expertise of Manchester City’s water technology partner, Xylem, and their local charity partner Planet Water Foundation, each water tower provides long-term, sustainable access to clean water for up to 1,000 people in the school and surrounding community.
The volunteers also met Young Leaders from local Cityzens Giving charity partner, Magic Bus, who were taking part in training led by City in the Community coaches. The sessions focused on leadership and how to use the power of football to provide education on the importance of clean water and sanitation, thereby reducing the risk of illness faced by children.
The trip culminated in a community football festival, delivered by the Young Leaders with the support of the volunteers. During the festival, over 100 children from the local community took part in fun and interactive football-themed activities.
Fan community hero, Colin, said: “I had no idea how big City in the Community and Cityzens Giving was and it’s been absolutely stunning to see the volume of stuff they do, all the causes they’re involved in, how they’re trying to do the right thing, both in Manchester and in locations across the globe.”
Vincent Kompany, Captain of the Manchester City F.C Men’s Team, added: “This club is so proud to support communities around the world through Cityzens Giving.
“It’s fantastic that our project in Bangalore is bringing together partners and our fans with Young Leaders to provide access to safe water and education through the power of football.”
The Water Goals project will provide 5,000 children a year with education on water sanitation and hygiene.
1 in 10 people globally live without access to clean water. Wherever you live in the world, water issues are closer than you think. This World Water Day, find out more about Manchester City’s partnership with Xylem and what you can do to help solve water.
