The CUVKUN Project joined forces with local authorities and partners in celebrating the World Water Day 2026 under the theme “Water and Gender”, on 20 March 2026 at Okapangu School Complex, Evale Commune, Cunene Province, Angola.
The event raised awareness on water conservation, gender equality, sanitation, youth participation, and flood risk prevention.
“We appreciate this initiative and welcome future awareness campaigns in our community,” said Mr. Pedro Kianda, Deputy Communal Administrator of Evale.
Key issues included gender inequality, flood impacts, early warning systems, lack of safety equipment, and disaster preparedness. Participants emphasized strengthening awareness campaigns, expanding activities to other schools, and supporting the commune with river safety equipment and risk management training.
The campaign raised awareness among students on water, gender equality, sanitation, and flood risks. Authorities commended the student participation, who were supported to have some improved understanding of environmental issues and increased interest in water protection.
“We learned that everyone has a role in protecting water and preventing disasters,” said Suzana Gaspar, a student participant from Okapangu School Complex.
The activity directly contributes to the objectives of the CUVKUN Project, which aims to strengthen integrated and sustainable management of transboundary water resources between Angola and Namibia, increase community resilience, and promote social participation in water governance.
One of the highlights of the event was the “Water Heroes” activity, where students represented different community members involved in water protection. The exercise demonstrated creativity, leadership, and collaboration among participants.
During the activity, several challenges that the community is facing were identified, including floods that affected around 80 houses, one drowning incident, and the lack of river safety equipment.
The strong involvement of young people highlighted the importance of schools as strategic spaces for environmental education and community mobilisation.
“The involvement of students in sustainable water resources management is essential for building resilient communities,” said Justina Porfirio, Water Resources Intern of the CUVKUN Project.
The CUVKUN project, known in full as the “Enhanced Water Security and Community Resilience in the Adjacent Cuvelai and Kunene Transboundary River Basins (CUVKUN)”, is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the GEF Implementing Agency. The Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) is the Executing Agency, while the Cuvelai Commission (CUVECOM) and Kunene Permanent Joint Technical Committee (PJTC) are the focal custodians of the project implementation.