Under the guidance of Planet Water Foundation, Xylem employee volunteers joined forces with Manchester City Football Club fans, Club legend and ambassador Joleon Lescott and young leaders from Play Soccer Ghana to build the towers, supporting the Dehia community and Oguaa Football for Hope Centre.
The two new towers contain water filtration systems which will help provide for the daily drinking needs of 1800 people, reduce the burden of collecting water, and counter water-borne diseases, keeping children healthier and in school.
The young leaders also delivered a football and water education festival for 100 local children at the Football for Hope Centre, supported by Manchester City community coaches and Lescott.
Reading events introduced Splash, the children’s book character helping kids learn about water security. Created in Africa by Xylem's social investment division, Xylem Watermark, Splash brings the message of water’s importance and protection to people across the continent through fun and colourful adventures.
The event was part of Xylem Water Heroes Academy, a collaboration between Xylem and Manchester City’s global foundation, empowering young leaders in 10 cities around the world to solve local water challenges using the power of football.
Since January 2020, Xylem Water Heroes Academy has supported 75 young leaders in Cape Coast to develop innovative football-based sessions to educate more than 4,000 young people on the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene.
“I was honoured to join this visit to Cape Coast in Ghana alongside our partner, Xylem, and our amazing fan volunteers,” said Manchester City legend Lescott. “To see first-hand the impact young leaders are making in their communities through the power of football, and to be able to contribute to the building of the water towers, was an incredible experience.”
