1. South Africa faces a water shortage as a result of factors such as changes in weather patterns and urbanisation. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED), in collaboration with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), invites all schools to become involved in the water awareness activities of National Water Week 2005, from 21 to 27 March 2005. Activities include competitions organised by DWAF and the City of Cape Town. For information on these please contact 
DWAF 
Tel: 021 950 7212
Fax: 021 946 3666
E-mail: nayoB@dwaf.gov.za
Web site: Department of Water Affairs (http://www.dwaf.gov.za)

The City of Cape Town - Water Services division
Tel: 021 590 1470
Fax: 021 590 1504
E-mail: johannes.prins@capetown.gov.za (Johannes Prins)

Competition:
Tel.: 021 761 0989  Terry Burn
Web site:  City of Cape Town (http://www.capetown.gov.za/water)
2. It is absolutely essential that all learners understand that our water resources in the Western Cape and elsewhere are limited. In this regard the WCED encourages all schools to highlight water issues such as water conservation, water quality, water use and audits within the curriculum at school, at home and in the community. Opportunities for this exist across all learning areas and grades.
3. The focus on water should be a matter for attention not only during the National Water Week. Learning programmes should include various aspects of water awareness in different grades. For example, at each grade level within a phase a different learning area could be chosen to focus on water. By the end of the phase, learners should then have a good understanding of the value of water and exhibit a positive attitude towards managing and conserving this life-sustaining resource.
4. The following electronic and print resources are available to assist teachers in their curriculum planning in respect of water issues:
4.1 WCED Curriculum web site (http://curriculum.wcape.school.za):  Go to the Environmental Education subsite for lesson plan outlines based on curriculum outcomes, and also for related resources.  E-mail: msemmelink@pgwc.gov.za (Matseliso Semmelink)
4.2 The WCED Centre for Conservation Education: 
Tel 021 762 1622
Fax 021 762 8690 
E-mail:	Centre for Conservation Education (postmaster@cce.wcape.school.za)
4.3 The WCED EDULIS Library: 
15 Kruskal Avenue, Bellville, 7530
Tel: 021 957 9618
Fax: 021 948 0748
E-mail: Edulis (edulis@pgwc.gov.za)
4.4 EMDC resource centres:

EMDC Metropole South: Brian O’Connell Resource Centre, Mitchells Plain Tel 021 370 2084

EMDC West Coast/Winelands Resource Centre, Paarl Tel 021 860 1229

EMDC South Cape/Karoo Resource Centre, George Tel 044 803 8328

EMDC Breede River/Overberg Resource Centre, Worcester Tel 023 348 4657

5. Heads of educational institutions are strongly encouraged to ensure that the necessity of conserving water is impressed upon all learners from Grade R to Grade 12.


SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:02:14