Queen’s College student launches water purification system at school
In a bid to combat plastic bottle waste and promote sustainability, Vasanna Persaud winner of Recover Guyana’s Shout Competition, and Guyana’s National Youth Environmental Speaker has launched her water purification project within her school premises – Queen’s College.
Persaud, having proposed her project in the first phase of the Shout Competition in 2023 on behalf of her school, Queen’s College, eventually emerged victorious and claimed the rights to the title as Guyana’s Top Youth Environmental Speaker. Her initiative, the organization said in a release on Monday, marks a significant step forward in the fight against environmental degradation and possibly one which can be emulated across schools in Guyana.
Vasanna Persaud at the launch of her water purification project at her school, Queen’s College
The project, which received a grant from Recover Guyana as part of the prize package for the winner and their school, established a sophisticated water purification and cooling system on the grounds of Queen’s College.
This system converts ordinary tap water into a clean, refreshing source of hydration, available to students, teachers, and visitors throughout the day. By offering an alternative to bottled water, the refill station not only promotes health and well-being but also reduces the school’s dependence on single-use plastics.
Accompanied by her parents, Dr and Mrs Persaud, Vasanna expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enact change within her school community. “I am honoured to have been selected as the winner of Recover Guyana’s Shout competition,” said Persaud. “With the support of my school and Recover Guyana, I am confident that we can make a meaningful impact in reducing plastic bottle waste.”
According to the release, at the launch held at Queen’s College and attended by representatives including Dr Omesh Balmacoon, Secretary of Recover Guyana, and Kumarie Lall, Headteacher of Queen’s College, as well as Vasanna’s parents, showcased the tangible impact of her visionary project.
Dr Omesh Balmacoon praised Persaud’s initiative, highlighting its role in fostering environmental stewardship among Guyana’s youth. “Projects like Vasanna’s show that simple ideas can be brought to life to make big differences in the lives of others while at the same time protecting and preserving our planet,” remarked Dr Balmacoon.
The organisation said that as Persaud’s project gains traction at Queen’s College, it serves as a beacon of hope for environmental activism across Guyana. Through innovation, collaboration, and dedication, Vasanna and her peers are leading the charge towards a more sustainable future for all.
Recover Guyana will be launching Shout two in April of this year.
