A Year After: Kilingili Primary School

A year ago, generous donors helped build a rainwater catchment tank and latrines for the Kilingili Primary School in Western Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow teams to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the water project over time. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – we’re excited to share this one from our partner, Wilson Kipchoge, with you.

Upon entering the school compound, you are welcomed by a very quiet environment as pupils concentrate on studying.

"Since the projects were implemented in this school, our pupils look healthier and alert even in class. With this evidence, the performance has also risen a clear indication that the time wasted previously in search of water has been converted into learning," Headteacher John Temba said.

The performance of the pupils has also gone up due to the availability of safe water from the 50,000-liter tank within the school compound.

"Before the tank was constructed, I used to carry water every day but now I only carry books and arrive at the school very early for my studies," Mercy Owela, a 14-year-old student, said.

"When I compare my previous performance with the current one, there is a great improvement. Safe water is plentiful in school, thus I consume as many liters as possible to quench my thirst."

Installation of the water tank and latrines is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project and WEWASAFO (our trusted local partner) are committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by donors like you, allows us to maintain our relationships with communities by visiting up to 4 times each year to ensure that the water points are safe and reliable.

This is just one of the many ways that we monitor projects and communicate with you. Additionally, you can always check the functionality status and our project map to see how all of our water points are performing, based on our consistent monitoring data.

One project is just a drop in the bucket towards ending the global water crisis, but the ripple effects of this project are truly astounding. This tank at Kilingili Primary School is changing many lives.

Student Mercy Owela stands beside Wewasafo staff

"Sanitation and hygiene challenges we faced before are now a forgotten story. The school compound looks so pleasant and good with the presence of a very big tank and new latrines," Mr. Temba said.

This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, WEWASAFO, the community, and you. We are excited to stay in touch with this community and support their journey with safe water.

Read more about The Water Promise and how you can help.