A Year Later: Chegulo Community

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Shakava Spring for Chegulo Community in Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow our local 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 – and we’re excited to share this one from team member Christine Luvandwa with you.

The lives of people in this community have changed in terms of cleanliness and improved hygiene. The availability of water has ensured that they get their chores done and have plenty of safe drinking water whenever they need it. As a result, there are no more water-related reported here.

"Since the project was implemented last year, we have had plenty of water for use here, for so many households, and the good thing is that the spring never goes dry," Tom Shakava told us.

He and other community members were able to irrigate their crops during the dry season last year, which is something they were never able to do in the past. The vegetables they harvested were then sold in local markets, providing more food for the community and increased income for local farmers.

Tom Shakava collecting water

Protection of the spring is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project is 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 spring in Chegulo is changing many lives.

Elphy Muyanzi, a 14-year-old student, has another example. She says that spring is helping improve her grades in school.

"Last year, I was in primary school and had to study for my national exams. Since the project had been implemented, I had plenty of time for studying unlike in the past when I would spend so much time getting clean water for our home," she said.

"I was able to pass my exams and graduated into high school. I believe this project helped me accomplish that."

This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, our local teams, 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.