Zahra spends all day collecting water in order to help her tree grow so she can get some shade. She travels back and forth to the water pump but to no avail – the tree won't grow. It is not until a bead of sweat falls on the roots that the tree springs forth and grows protectively to shield her from the sun.
There are lots of discussion points about the little girl – how we know she is in a different country from the style of clothing, the houses, the landscape etc.
PSHE links: Discuss the lack of access to water in parts of Africa and why children have to walk long distances to collect it.
Writing Opportunities
- Write 'A day in the life...' from the little girl's point of view.
- Write a narrative based in the girl's village.
- Create adverts for Water Aid-style charities.
- Write a persuasive letter to the government to support funding water supplies in Africa.
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