[Survivor Series] STEM classes helped me solve the issue of groundwater scarcity in my village

I am Komali Vundavalli, a class 10 student from Zilla Parishat High School, Ponnekallu, Guntur.

There has been a growing problem of groundwater scarcity in my village, because of factors such as deforestation and waste disposal. I have read how India has compelled the need for rainwater harvesting and how these practices are now widely used and encouraged within communities to gain access to clean water easily, and for free. After hearing about rainwater harvesting, I thought of a way to save rainwater in my village.

In the STEM for Girls programme, we were often encouraged to explore science and become problem solvers. Observing the problems around my village, I decided to reuse rainwater.

The IBM STEM for Girls is a digital fluency and life skills curriculum designed to help girls in government secondary schools break gender stereotypes and explore the possibilities of STEM-enabled careers.

Through these classes, I have learned to use design thinking methods to explore how rainwater can be purified and used in domestic applications. I also examined how rainwater harvesting can be used to improve food production and water supply in my village through sustainable agriculture. 

The idea was supported by my father Kishan Lal, who helped me source the materials for my rainwater purifier. I began designing the prototype using materials I had at home. I discovered the skill of identifying the problem and coming up with a solution at our school's Ideas-a-thon.

Having my father as a support for this project enabled me to build my confidence and make the learning process more enjoyable. I got the opportunity give a presentation to my school and community about the rainwater harvesting purifier, and shared how I was able to think critically and innovatively about this method.