Building a Water Filter for UN Day Water Project

     Last October 25, 2013, Brent International School Baguio celebrated its annual UN Day celebration. This year's theme was "Water Conservation". Since it was my first year in Brent School, everything was new and this UN Day celebration was a whole new thing for me as well. As part of the Blue House, I wanted to get to know more about the other members of the house and contribute something as well so, I decided to join in this project for UN Day. I also took part in this activity so that I would be able to raise my awareness for water conservation and step towards in different global issues related to water.

     To start with, we had a meeting with some blue house leaders, the heads and some other blue house members. When we were gathered, Mr. Schulte mentioned that the Blue House was going to make a water filter. When I thought on this, it seemed so complicated and not possible for us to do. However, Dr. Santiago and other members of the house gave a lot of contributions and suggestions on how to make it possible. And so, we began to work on it with the following objectives: to raise awareness of water deficit by filtering dirty water or rain water and using it in our campus (not necessarily for drinking), to come up with a sustainable technology with readily-available and comparatively cheap materials and to learn the process involved in water filtration.

     When we started making the filter itself, I found that we were wasting more water because the materials were dirty and so, we had to wash it with water. However, I was convinced that it was a good investment for us to reuse rainwater and we would be able to save more water from that. Also, I realized and learned that we should get the materials carefully next time when we are to make another filter. I really enjoyed working with other blue house members and I got to know more people from it. Everyone was hardworking and it was really fun to do it. Because of that, we were able to finish the filter in 2 days.

     When we were testing it after making, I was amazed to find out that it could really filter rain water. I thought that it would not be possible. I was also happy that we were able to work together to make it possible. It made me realize that nothing is impossible if I and all of the people commit ourselves into it to make it possible.

     I did not only contribute to the filter making but I also helped in making the presentation for the event itself to show our filter to other houses. I helped in researching different kinds of information for the house leaders. However, I think I have to take more courage and diligence to contribute more to the house next time.

     Due to all our hard work and the good presentation of the house leaders, the blue house was able to get the first place in this project. I was really happy for the house because I contributed something to it. I felt that I am helpful in some way. Also, I was really able to be aware of different water issues in our world when I was involved in this project because of the researches that I did. This made me to be more concerned about my water usage and what I can do to contribute to the world as a whole. It was really a meaningful experience for me.