MWRD releases “¿A Dónde Se Va?” (“Where Does IT Go?”) animation for Latinx Heritage Month
Last year, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Office of Public Affairs created a children’s book for 4th grade and above. “Where Does IT Go?” teaches students about the wastewater treatment process and careers in the water sector while offering enriching STEM activities. The book is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Polish, and it is now animated in three languages, English, Chinese and Spanish, just in time for Latinx Heritage Month.
“The MWRD is always thinking of ways to connect with our communities and raise awareness of the essential services we provide,” said MWRD Commissioner and Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia. “Our public affairs department hit it out of the park with the “Where Does IT Go?” storybook. It’s great storytelling for our younger audience, and in using media in creative ways, we’ve created a fun and educational animation that can be viewed at home or school. I’m proud that we are able to offer the Spanish animation. We will continue to strive to increase our language access to strengthen our communications.”
Developing the audio was somewhat of a family project. MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral L. Sepúlveda performed the role of narrator, and her son, Julián Torres-Corral, performed the role of “Paul.”
“As the daughter of immigrants, I know that language barriers can prevent families from feeling comfortable engaging with government offices,” said Commissioner Corral Sepúlveda. “By creating and publishing this animation, the more than 1 million Spanish-speakers of Cook County will be able to see themselves reflected in MWRD's mission and service delivery. That is why it was particularly special for me and my son to be a part of the recording!”
Other voice actors volunteered from the community. Raquel Garcia-Alvarez performed the role of Yadira and Rebeca Fernandez performed the role of Jessica.
The book is a great read for students enrolled in grades four and up as it teaches them about the wastewater treatment process while introducing them to careers in the water sector. An enriching STEM activities workbook located at the end of the story is a bonus feature that offers fun exercises and activities that meet common core learning standards. “¿A Dónde Se Va?” introduces the MWRD’s Water Science Explorers, a cast of fictional characters, Yadira, Paul, and Jessica, who wonder what happens when they flush the toilet. In the story they go on a special mission to uncover the mystery of where pee, poop, and toilet paper go.
Teachers, municipalities, and organizations operating within the MWRD’s service area may request a limited supply of printed books by emailing communityeducation@mwrd.org. Virtual presentations for groups of 25 or more are also available.
“We are happy to offer this comprehensive learning experience for students,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “The book has vibrant and colorful illustrations, real life images of the MWRD’s wastewater treatment process, facilities, and equipment, and highlights careers in water. The animation was created in-house and is an amazing accompaniment to the storybook.”
The storybook can be downloaded from our website or free print copies can be ordered by emailing communityeducation@mwrd.org. For more information or to learn about other MWRD K-12 materials, visit our website.