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Swarovski Foundation
Water Fundação Amazônia Sustentável 3

Foundation for Amazon Sustainability (Fundação Amazônia Sustentável)

Building a Waterschool curriculum in the Brazilian Amazon

The organisation's mission is to implement innovative, participatory solutions that protect the forest while improving quality of life for its people. FAS combines grassroots mobilization with strong technical capacity and policy advocacy. FAS works with more than 320 partners, from local associations to global institutions, and is recognized as a leading force in integrating environmental protection with community well-being. The Escola D'Água (Waterschool) programme is one of its flagship initiatives.

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Riverside and Indigenous communities in the Purus region face overlapping challenges. In the last three years, the region endured the two worst droughts in recorded history. Hundreds of communities were left completely isolated—without water, food, or transportation—exposing the vulnerability of local infrastructure.

Sourced by FAS, 2025

The Escola D'Água project is designed to foster long-term, meaningful change through three interconnected strategies: education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. These strategies address immediate community needs while paving the way for sustainable economic opportunities and local development.  

Promoting Access to Relevant Education  

Education is the foundation for sustainable livelihoods. The project strengthens learning by connecting it to real-life challenges, equipping students and teachers with practical knowledge.  

Key activities include:  

  • Expansion to New Municipalities: Partnering with Anori and Anamã, alongside ongoing work in Beruri, engaging local education authorities, school directors, and community leaders for community ownership.
  • Teacher Training: Providing in-person training for 370 educators using the Escola D'Água Activities Guide, distributing materials, and offering follow-up support to enhance implementation. 
  • Student-Led Projects: Encouraging youth-driven problem-solving initiatives related to water security and environmental sustainability, linking education to real economic opportunities such as sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy-based industries.  

Expanding WASH Infrastructure 

Access to clean water and sanitation is a key driver of health, education, and economic development.  

Key activities include: 

  •  Infrastructure Development: Installing water supply systems, handwashing stations, and restrooms in schools while expanding access in both schools and communities
  • Community-Led Design: Engaging local communities in planning, ensuring infrastructure is adapted to remote and flood-prone areas for long-term sustainability.
  • Skill Development: Training community members in maintenance and technical oversight, fostering employment in water management and sanitation services-creating new professional paths that contribute to local prosperity.  

 Empowering Youth for Sustainable Livelihoods  

Young people play a critical role in shaping the future of their communities, and Escola D'Água equips them with leadership skills, practical knowledge, and direct pathways to economic opportunities. Key activities include: 

  • Leadership and Advocacy: Training youth leaders to engage in water awareness and environmental initiatives while introducing bioeconomy-linked opportunities such as sustainable resource management.
  • Youth-Led Initiatives: Supporting entrepreneurial projects linked to value chains like açaí, pirarucu, and Brazil nuts, helping young people access employment and income-generation opportunities.
  • Capacity Building: Developing soft skills in communication, collaboration, and leadership, ensuring youth are prepared to navigate emerging economic sectors within their communities. By integrating education, infrastructure, and youth leadership, Escola D'Água directly advances SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) alongside SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The project empowers communities to transform their local economies, opening doors to new occupations, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening long-term prosperity. 
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Image courtesy of Room to Read

At the Swarovski Foundation, we take pride in supporting organisations like FAS. 

In 2023, the project's programmes reached over

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8600

people in remote Amazonian communities, supporting formal education, cultural appreciation, and environmental awareness. 

The Waterschool project implemented

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21

infrastructure initiatives, improving access to clean water for families and schools. 

João do Carmo Cruz is a resident of the São Francisco do Mura Community and a has been working as a teacher since 2021. The teacher was an enthusiast of the Waterschool project from the beginning, because, as he says: “it is necessary that everyone awaken to the reality of the planet and there is nowhere to hide, the results of mistreatment of nature will catch you wherever you are.” In 2020, João mobilized the community to build a school, and they started looking for resources, but were unsuccessful. In 2021, with the arrival of a teacher (Rosa Maria) to teach in the village, João learned about the Waterschool project and actively participated in carrying out the activities, fulfilling all the requirements, which led to his Village/community being chosen in 2022 as one out of 10 communities to receive infrastructure support, with the construction of a school in the community. João is a change agent and always works side by side with community leaders, seeking improvements and advancements. When he sees an opportunity to fulfill desires that benefit the community, he seeks to mobilize and take the lead. He also tends to think of different ways to reduce the impacts of waste and is always studying to apply his learnings to students and the entire community. 

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The Project taught me so much, really a lot. Then we started making other young people aware — helping them realize how important it is, how important it is to be conscious of our planet. Because with a good awareness, we can make a big difference.

Edinalva A former student participant from Arumã Community

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To learn more visit https://fas-amazonia.org

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