Aswan High Dam

I feel the warm sun on my back all day long. Below me, the long, blue Nile River flows and flows through a country called Egypt. I stretch all the way across the water. It feels like I am giving the river a giant, strong hug. I am not made of wood or toys. I am made of big rocks, soft sand, and sticky clay. All of these things make me one of the biggest dam hugs in the whole wide world. I am the Aswan High Dam, and I hold the mighty river in my strong arms. I love to watch the little boats float by on the water I keep safe.

Lots and lots of clever people helped make me. Smart builders and engineers started building me in the year 1960. They worked with big trucks and tall cranes. For ten whole years, until the year 1970, they worked and worked together. They built me to be a big helper. Before I was here, the river would sometimes get too full and make big, splashy puddles everywhere. That was not good for the farmers' plants. My job was to hold the water safely. Then I could share it when the thirsty plants needed a drink.

Now my work is so important. On January 15th, 1971, everyone celebrated because I was ready to help. I let out just enough water for the farmers to grow yummy fruits and vegetables. The water also moves inside me. It spins and spins to make a special power called electricity. This power travels to homes to make lights turn on and televisions glow. I am so happy I can give the gifts of water and light. I show how many people working together with helping hands can make something huge and wonderful for everyone.