Within the framework of the cooperation between WPIP/MIP V and ShukAlb in carrying out the ‘Friends of Water’ campaign, the official opening ceremony of the National Exhibition “Water through the Eyes of Children” was held. The exhibition represents the final step of the awareness-raising initiative ‘Friends of Water’ which aims at educating and teaching schoolchildren on the importance of protecting water resources as well as on the sustainable operation and maintenance of water supply infrastructure.
The event featured an exhibition of children’s drawings, which illustrated their perspectives on clean water, environmental protection and nature, highlighting the role of younger generations in promoting responsible water use and environmental stewardship. During the ceremony, the twelve best drawings were selected and will be published in a calendar for 2026. The happy winners received a certificate and a book prize.
Addressing the audience, Iven Schad, Head of German Cooperation, emphasised the role of children as key actors in safeguarding water resources. He described them as “ambassadors of clean water” and underlined the responsibility they carry in protecting this vital resource. He further noted that Germany, the European Union and Switzerland have committed investments of approximately EUR 150 million to improve access to clean drinking water for around 30 percent of Albania’s population, stressing that beyond infrastructure investments, sustainable operation, maintenance and cost recovery are essential to ensure the long-term functionality of water systems.
Elisabeta Poçi, Executive Director of ShukAlb, highlighted that this programme represents one of the most meaningful aspects of the organisation’s work. She underlined that the children’s drawings convey strong messages through their creativity and originality, while feedback from teachers and parents shows that children are already influencing water-related behaviour within their families. According to her, this provides genuine hope that future generations will adopt a more responsible and water-friendly approach, becoming not only more conscious consumers but also, for those who choose this path, better engineers and managers in the water sector.
Herida Duro, Deputy Minister of Education, highlighted the educational importance of such initiatives, stressing that children are not only beneficiaries but also drivers of positive change. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Education to support initiatives that convey key messages related to life skills, environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
Flaures Shoshi, Director of the Water Supply and Sewerage Agency, pointed to the strong messages conveyed through the children’s artwork, noting that the drawings clearly reflect the critical importance of water protection. He added that safeguarding water resources contributes to improved water supply services, a cleaner environment and a healthier natural ecosystem.
The exhibition aims to strengthen public awareness of the value of clean water and to promote civic responsibility for the sustainable use and maintenance of water infrastructure, contributing to broader efforts to ensure long-term sustainability in the water sector. The programme ‘Friends of Water’ for this year is financially supported by WPIP/MIP V.
