A Year Later: A thriving school garden!

Last year, students at AIC Kaseve Primary School were responsible for collecting water from the local river and hauling it to school every day. They were exhausted, which made it difficult for them to concentrate in class.

"Before the construction of this project, life was very hard," said 13-year-old Mary K. "I found it hard to carry water from home every day. I could get very tired because it’s a long stretch from my home to school. Once I got to school, I did not really concentrate in class because my mind would be ringing that in the evening, I have to get water from the river."

“Before the construction of the water tank in the school, we had a lot of water challenges. Both the school and the pupils found it very hard to get water. Pupils would bring water from home every single morning, especially during dry seasons," said 40-year-old teacher Stella Kitonga.

But once we installed a large rain tank, things turned around for the school and the students. Hygiene levels have improved, the school garden is providing essential nourishment for everyone, and the students now have the time to focus on learning.

"Now, we are enjoying life in school as we have plenty of clean and reliable water, which is very safe for human consumption. In the past year, as a school, we have managed to elevate levels of hygiene and sanitation in the school. We have also started planting vegetables which we use locally for consumption in the school. Also, we have planted banana trees and are currently doing great,’’ Stella said.

“Currently, I do not miss classes because the burden of carrying water with me as I come to school is long gone and forgotten. We have managed to save [the] time which was wasted in collecting water for [our] studies. I have put more effort [into] my studies and hope to do exemplary well when exams come," concluded Mary.

Teacher Stella Kitonga watering the vegetable garden.