The Santa Clara Valley Water District hosted nearly 60 Latino families who visited the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center (SVAWPC) on July 25 for the first ever Latino Community Tour Day. The event included special tours offered in Spanish, along with hands-on educational games and activities for kids and even taste test samples of the highly purified water produced onsite. (Get a peek of some of the highlights in the video below).
The event was made possible through a new community partnership formed between the water district and Somos Mayfair, a nonprofit community-based organization that serves the Latino community in East San José. The field trip was part of Somos Mayfair’s summer programs, “Growing Together Family Summer Learning Program.”
The group received a warm welcome in English and Spanish from water district board Director Tony Estremera, District 6, who represents the Mayfair community in East San José, and Director Richard P. Santos, District 3, who represents the Alviso area where the SVAWPC facility is located. Other water district staff conducted tours in Spanish and led fun educational activities for both kids and parents alike.
“The hands-on activities and guided tour gave students and parents an opportunity to learn concepts in science, technology, engineering and math, broadening our literacy-focused work at Somos Mayfair,” said Camille Llanes-Fontanilla, Executive Director of Somos Mayfair. Participants also learned how to conserve water and the importance of recycled and purified water as a sustainable choice for the future.
Many of the participants took a taste test of the purified water and commented on how delicious the water tasted. Many were pleased with the event, especially with the fact that the water district helped remove some of the typical barriers they face as a community that limits their access to such educational opportunities, such as transportation and having the tour program and materials available in their native language. The water district plans to hold similar events for other ethnic, youth and community groups in the coming months to ensure we reach all segments of our community.
Free tours of the purification center are available to all members of the public. Schedule yours today at purewatersv.org!
Valley Water News 