Flint mom, daughter head to Switzerland for World Water Week

FLINT, Mich. - A Flint mom and her 11-year-old daughter are heading to Geneva, Switzerland next month to raise awareness about the Flint water crisis.

Gina Luster and her daughter, Kennedy, say they’re grateful for the opportunity.

Luster says they were personally invited to speak on behalf of World Water Week.

“Really the main reason they wanted us there is because we are Flint residents, and everybody is just so interested in the Flint story. For us it’s 6 years in, but for other folks they’re just hearing about it,” said Luster.

Gina is an active member of "Flint Rising,” a water advocate group.

It started four years ago after the water crisis was exposed.

“We wanted to help inform the community on what was going on. We try to provide people with resources,” she stated.

She says her daughter Kennedy has been right alongside her going to city council meetings, protests and even water giveaways.

“All of her friends know what she does, and they call her the little mini water warrior,” said Luster.

Now, she has the chance to be a youth ambassador during World Water Week and plans on

“Talking about how the Flint water crisis is still happening even though people don’t really pay attention to it anymore,” Kennedy stated.

Gina says she's hoping Kennedy can be the voice Flint really needs.

“I want the word to stay out that Flint is still in a crisis. Our main reason is to go over there and talk about water privatization, emergency management law, a lot of the things that are going on here in Flint,” Luster stated.

Ultimately, both her and Kennedy want to make a difference.

“I can’t even get the words out how excited I am for her to go and experience this at 11-years-old,” said Luster.

The Luster's are leaving for Switzerland on March 17th and will be there for ten days.

They're asking the public for any help with donations to cover the cost of travel.

If you’d like to make a donation, you can click here.