A Year Later: Ebukanga Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater catchment tank for Ebukanga Primary School 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 Wilson Kipchoge with you.

The students and teachers at Ebukanga Primary School have really witnessed an improvement in their lives. The grounds feature a reliable source of water, access to safe and sturdy sanitation facilities, and improved hygiene activities, such as regular handwashing. All of this is made possible by the 50,000-liter tank, six VIP latrines, and two handwashing stations installed last year.

"Since we had these projects last year, there has been a reduction in the daily carrying of water to school by the pupils which used to be a burden to them," Headteacher Emmy Sayo Orengo said.

Student Magret Afywande and Headteacher Emmy Sayo Orengo

"As a result, time management has improved. In the past, the students took a lot of time meant for class going to the nearby water sources to get water," she continued.

The school planted more than 5,000 tree seedlings to help improve the grounds. The water from the tank helped make it possible! The school environment looks so much better and the students are happier.

"The project has helped a lot! I enjoy drinking safe, clean water from this big tank which keeps me healthy in school," 14-year-old student Magret Afywande said to us.

"Also, my time is wholly used for studies. No more carrying water from home and even going to search for it in the neighborhood during school hours."

Construction of the tank 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 tank in Ebukanga Primary School is changing many lives.

The health of the students is improving!

"Coughing was rampant in our school but now it is no longer a problem thanks to the availability of a safe source of water within the school compound," Headteacher Orengo explained.

Headteacher Emmy Sayo Orengo

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.