Rainwater is recognized as directly related to the current climate
crisis, especially the phenomena of flood and drought. It, however, has
been receiving less attention among water management practices or even
ignored or managed off-site instead of source-control.
As
people in the Monsoon region have traditionally suffered from
droughts and floods each year, rainwater is either a blessing or a
curse, depending on how they manage rainwater. They might also have
cultivated site-specific wisdom to tackle climate issues, which should
be learned and shared widely. Young people in particular, who are the
leaders and owners of the world, must know how to survive unprecedented
climate extremes while living in peace with friends and neighbors by
gaining and sharing the wisdom of their ancestors. In this context,
school is believed to be an ideal place to teach and learn creative
ideas and spread knowledge to the community and society.
The objective of this initiative is to raise the awareness of schools
and students in each country about the importance of rainwater through
international activities.
The friendship made among young students would
lay the foundation for the resilience of not only world peace but also
climate change combat. To this end, “Rain School” and “Rain School
Network” are proposed here, as school is the best place to harvest
rainwater for drinking, exchange wisdom, and transfer knowledge.
At Rain School, a Rain for Drinking system consists of :
- the roof
catchment area, gutter, first flush diverter, series of tanks, pump, and
fountain is constructed, producing drinking water that meets National
Drinking Water Quality Standards.
- The system is designed using a
multiple-barrier concept and nature-based treatment method, supplying
0.5-1L of water to each student daily. Collected rainwater quality and
quality, as well as rainfall amount, are closely monitored mostly by the
students.
- Water usage is self-regulated to minimize water shortage
during the dry season. Remote consultation is provided through installed
cameras and weekly reports.
- For innovative system maintenance and social promotion, a special group
called BiTS (“Bi” means “rain” in Korean, “T” stands for “Teachers” and
“S” for “Students”) is formed. This group takes part in various Beauty
(art and cultural exchange), Technology (system monitoring), and Social
activities. They decorate the system, look for local ancient wisdom
about water, and make creative dances.
- They then share the gained
knowledge with their family and community, other school members, and
society. International conferences and contests among different Monsoon
Rain Schools are organized, drawing the attention, interest, and
willingness to join BiTS groups and the Rain School Network.
- Another innovative idea is the creation of a SkyWater Committee, which
consists of all parties: the school authority, Parent Association,
rainwater experts, and local authority. It decides on necessary
financial assistance and activities to ensure the system’s safe and
sustainable supply.
Rain Schools are now operating in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Vanuatu. Laos
and Myanmar’s Rain Schools will start operation in 2023.
The Rain School
Network in Monsoon will soon expand to other regions, such as South
Asia (SARNET) and Africa.Read more>
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