A Year Later: A Water Hygiene Ambassador is Born!

Catherine L., 15, recalled what life was like in Machemo Community before its spring was protected last year.

"Clean water was very rare and inaccessible because we used to sieve or boil water from this water point because it was open, and also we would queue for long [times] to fetch water," said Catherine.

Collecting water is now much simpler and faster for Catherine and the other community members in Machemo.

"Living with clean water helps me utilize my time on other important things and gives me self-confidence and trust when using it. I don't worry about the safety when fetching water because the environment is now conducive, and no more contaminants are seen around the water point," said Catherine.

Children collecting clean water!

Having ready access to water from the spring has made a difference for Catherine, allowing her time to focus on improving her academics and personal hygiene.

"I have improved from the last academic performance to a good presentable grade since the water point was installed because I have enough time for my studies after fetching water from a reliable source. My personal hygiene has improved because I have learned how to wash my hands and general body cleanliness, something that I took lightly before," said Catherine.

"My dream is to be a good ambassador for water hygiene so that every generation to come will enjoy the benefits of good water hygiene!"

Catherine at the protected spring.