Rivers of the World | British Council

Four rivers in the United Kingdom were chosen as the subjects for the second year of the Rivers of the World project of the British Council and the Mayor’s Thames Festival, in partnership with the Department of Education in Marikina. This 2016, the British Council tapped six local artists from the group Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang I.N.K) to facilitate some 120 students from the public elementary and secondary schools into understanding the geographical and cultural importance of these rivers.

The students were introduced to the rivers Derwent, Slea, Witham and Trent, working on the illustration of the rivers with six guiding themes. Last (inclusive dates), the artworks of the students from Marikina were exhibited at the (locations).

The Rivers of the World programme has been running since 2006, under the auspices of the British Council and the Thames Festival Trust partnership. In 2015, the Philippines was selected to participate for the first time, with six public elementary and secondary school in Marikina chosen participating. Last year, John Atienza of the Design Centre of the Philippines conducted the art workshops to the students of Concepcion Elementary and High School; Industrial Valley Elementary School; Malanday Elementary and High School and Nangka National High School.

River of Life

River Slea | Nangka High School
Facilitated by Ara Villena

A river is a large, natural stream of flowing water. No two rivers are the same but they share certain features and go through similar stages on a journey from source to the sea. As it flows downhill pulled by gravity, a river shapes the landscape and sustains life by supplying food, water and habitats for animals and plants.

River City

River Witham | Concepcion Integrated Elementary School
Facilitated by Harry Monzon

Many of the world’s major cities have grown up along the banks or mouths of large rivers and the stories of these rivers reflect the history of the cities themselves.

Working River

River Derwent | Malanday National High School
Facilitated by Mickey Velarde

Throughout history, rivers have been used by mankind. The Ancient Egyptian civilisation flourished as the Nile allowed transport and trade, and the annual flooding turned desert into fertile land. Rivers continue to provide transportation routes, water for drinking and irrigating farmland and power for homes and industry.

Resourceful River

River Witham | Industrial Valley Elementary School
Facilitated by Iori Espirit

Water is so much a part of our daily lives that we sometimes take it for granted. Where does this water come from and how can it be that this is the same water that was here before man evolved? The answer is the water cycle, which is essential for making sure rain falls around the world and rivers begin.

Polluted River

River Witham | Malanday Elementary School
Facilitated by Rev Cruz

Sadly, rivers around the world are often polluted by waste from homes, industries, farms and boats as sewage, rubbish, chemicals and factory waste are deliberately or accidentally released into them. This can kill animals and plants and makes the water too dirty for people to use further downstream.

River Culture

River Trent | Concepcion Integrated High School
Facilitated by Rex Aguilar

Rivers have always played an important part in the world’s culture and traditions. The Ancient Egyptians worshipped

Hapi, the god of the Nile, and the ancient Greeks believed five rivers circled the underworld, Hades. Rivers have inspired numerous great writers and painters of the past, from Shakespeare to Monet, and continue to influence writers, artists and thinkers today.