Words by Smiley Team
As part of their vital work providing people around the world with clean drinking water, international nonprofit WaterAid has launched an animated TV advert about a Malagasy girl who attempts to reach Mars in a space rocket after hearing that researchers have discovered water there.
The Girl Who Built a Rocket tells the story of Fara, a child from Madagascar, who dreams of being an astronaut. She attempts to fly from her home on the great red island to the red planet in a homemade rocket so she can collect water for her family, after hearing a news report saying water has been found there.
Mass engagement director at WaterAid Johnty Gray said: “Fara has big dreams for her future, just like children the world over; yet for some, those ambitions may never be achieved because of the lack of basic necessities like clean water.
“Unusually there will be no financial ask at all as we want to encourage as many people as possible to visit our website to get the full picture of what we do and why – something we can’t do in a 90-second ad. We believe this will increase consideration for our work, leading to more sustained support.”
Created just after researchers made real-life discoveries on Mars, the video is voiced by broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald and features David Bowie’s song, Life On Mars, on its 50th anniversary.
McDonald said: “I have reported on some extraordinary feats of human endeavour over my long career as a journalist and newsreader; and yet something as apparently simple as ensuring everyone everywhere has access to clean water, still evades us.
“I was astounded when I learned that a staggering 785 million people worldwide do not have clean water close to home. It’s something we all take for granted in this country – and is even more important in the middle of a pandemic. So, I am honoured to add my voice to this charming animation and support WaterAid in its mission to make clean water, sanitation and good hygiene a part of normal life, wherever you are.”
To ensure that the video accurately reflected the people and landscapes of Madagascar, the makers consulted one of the organisation’s fieldworkers, Ernest Randriarimalala.
Randriarimalala explained: “The characters in the animation are inspired by people I’ve met through my work and I advised on the uniqueness of Madagascar’s landscape and homes. We hope the storytelling captures the imagination of the public.”
Although the video is primarily aimed at raising awareness, there is more you can do to help WaterAid continue its endeavours.
Fara’s experience of travelling long distances to collect water reflects the plight of many across Madagascar and indeed, around the world. While one in ten people globally have no clean water close to home, in Madagascar, almost half the population lacks access to this basic human right.
Having clean water close to home can help reduce the spread of disease and enable people to go to school or earn a living. It also helps communities better endure natural disasters.
The cartoon directs viewers to WaterAid’s website for further information about their work focused on providing water, toilets and hygiene to people who lack these basic necessities around the world.
If you are keen to help their cause, you can make a contribution via their donations page or organise a fundraising event to support their work through sponsorships.
