Two city pupils flying SA flag high at Stockholm event
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - The results of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition are expected to be announced on Tuesday on day two of the World Water Week 2023 conference being held at the Stockholm International Conference Centre.
The conference is being hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).
Two 14-year-old learners from Emang Mmogo Comprehensive School in Kimberley, Northern Cape, Keolebogile Abrahams and Mahlohonolo Mosia, pitched their 'Water Police' concept to a panel of judges on Monday.
Keolebogile and Mahlohonolo were the national winners of the South African Youth Water Prize competition hosted by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) earlier this year.
The pair are now flying the Northern Cape flag high as they represent South Africa in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition.
The two Kimberley learners are part of the South African delegation, led by the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Judith Tshabalala, that is attending the conference.
The confident pair, who left no stone unturned in their preparations for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition, faced a grilling from the judges as they presented their 'Water Police' concept.
The judges learnt from their pitch that the learners have established a water police forum, whereby their peers registered for membership on a water-saving mission.
The intention is to expand the forum to other provinces once it is fully established, with more members.
Keolebogile explained that the decision to start the forum came after more interest was shown by young people while they were interacting for their pitch.
The two mentors travelling with the girls, Selina Molaiwa and Jane Maroane, expressed nothing but pride in the pair for remaining focused on their programme from the start.
Molaiwa assured the learners that they are winners, regardless of the outcome of the competition.
"You have made your school in Galeshewe proud and have lifted the flag of the Province by coming this far in the competition. The fact that you are here in Stockholm, already says a lot about you and your dedication.
"Even if you don't win, don't feel small, because you will remain our champs back home," said Molaiwa.