Bringing Clean Water and Friendship to Life: New Children’s Book Celebrates Brazil Desalination Project
A young girl enjoys clean drinking water at home thanks to a transformative desalination project in Joao Camara, in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
A new children’s book is making waves in Brazilian schools, capturing hearts and minds with its heartwarming story of clean water and international collaboration. Donated by the project’s operator, the bilingual book, written in both Chinese and Portuguese, has become a favorite among students and their families.
The book features three captivating stories, each narrated from the unique perspective of a villager from a different generation. These tales offer a glimpse into the profound impact the desalination project has had on their community, bringing not only clean water but also a renewed sense of hope and possibility.
Inspired by real-life accounts from a visit to Joao Camara last year, the 40-year-old author, Jin Xiaoyu, sought to weave a narrative that celebrates the enduring friendship between China and Brazil. “I was truly touched by the project and its benefits,” Jin says. “I wanted to share this story with children from both countries, to let them know about its importance and the meaning it holds.”
The book’s release in August coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, adding another layer of significance to this collaborative project.
Bringing the stories to life are the vibrant illustrations of three talented Brazilian artists – Susan Chou, Vitor Rocha, and Leticia Graciano. Despite their distinct styles, the artwork seamlessly blends together, capturing the exuberance and rich culture of Brazil through a symphony of colors.
A Lifeline from the Sea
Located in the arid northeast region of Brazil, Joao Camara once struggled with a severe water shortage. Access to clean drinking water was a daily challenge, impacting health, education, and overall well-being.
Recognizing the urgent need, State Grid Brazil Power Participations, a subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China, embarked on a monumental project – a state-of-the-art desalination plant. This innovative facility harnesses the power of technology to transform seawater into potable water, effectively addressing Joao Camara’s water scarcity.
The desalination plant, a testament to Chinese engineering prowess, has the capacity to produce an average of 80 metric tons of purified water every day. An extensive network of over 5,000 kilometers of water transmission pipes ensures this life-giving resource reaches households and communities throughout the region.
More Than Just Water
The impact of the desalination project extends far beyond providing clean water. It has revitalized the community, fostering economic development and improving living standards.
Children, now healthy and hydrated, are thriving in school, while families have more time and energy for other pursuits. The availability of clean water has also unlocked new opportunities, supporting agriculture and small businesses, breathing fresh life into the local economy.
The project has created a ripple effect, bringing people together and strengthening bonds between China and Brazil. It stands as a powerful symbol of international cooperation and the transformative power of collaborative efforts.
Through this inspiring children’s book, the story of Joao Camara’s transformation serves as a reminder of the profound impact that access to clean water can have on individuals, communities, and nations. It encourages empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of responsibility for safeguarding our planet’s precious resources.
How did the desalination project impact the community of Joao Camara?
## Bringing Clean Water and Friendship to Life: An Interview
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Today, we’re talking about a heartwarming new children’s book celebrating a remarkable desalination project in Brazil.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** This book tells the story of Joao Camara, a town in northeastern Brazil that once faced severe water shortages. Could you tell us more about how this water crisis affected the community?
**Guest:** Absolutely. Joao Camara is in a dry region where access to clean water was a daily struggle. This impacted everything from health and sanitation to education and economic opportunities. The lack of clean water held the community back.
**Interviewer:** So, how did this desalination project change things for Joao Camara?
**Guest:** This project literally brought a lifeline from the sea. Desalination, which is the process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable, provided Joao Camara with a reliable source of clean water. Imagine the relief and hope this brought to the community. [[1](https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/cub_desal_lesson01)]
**Interviewer:** The book is bilingual, written in both Chinese and Portuguese, and it’s been donated by the project’s operator?
**Guest:** Yes, and it’s a wonderful symbol of the friendship between China and Brazil. The author, Jin Xiaoyu, was inspired by a visit to Joao Camara and wanted to share this story of international collaboration and hope with children in both countries.
**Interviewer:** The illustrations are said to be quite something.
**Guest:** They are truly stunning. Three talented Brazilian artists, Susan Chou, Vitor Rocha, and Leticia Graciano, each bring their unique style to the book, creating vibrant depictions of Brazilian culture and the joy the clean water project has brought to Joao Camara.
**Interviewer:** This seems to be more than just a story about providing clean water.
**Guest:** You’re right. It’s a story about resilience, hope, and how international cooperation can create lasting solutions to global challenges. It’s a powerful message for children – and adults – everywhere.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for being here and sharing this inspiring story with us.
**Guest:** It was my pleasure.
