A Year Later: Emmabwi Primary School

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a rainwater catchment tank for Emmabwi Primary School in 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 – and we’re excited to share this one from Lillian Achieng with you.

This water and sanitation project has made students much happier than before. Their faces shine with joy as they draw water from the tank. Knowing that there is water whenever they need it has given them peace of mind and enabled them to concentrate in class.

"I am in class eight which is my final year in primary school, and so I have to concentrate for the final exam," 15-year-old Raphael Nyangweso said.

"Having water in school has enabled me to concentrate in my studies and so I am hopeful of doing well in my final exam."

Raphael Nyangweso

Raphael had to carry water to school each day before the construction of the tank. He no longer has to balance a full container of water with his books because there is water available for all the students. It is also making the students healthier.

"Health among the pupils has improved tremendously. Previously, they could complain of stomachaches and diarrhea but that has now subsided," Deputy Headmaster Victor Kutai said.

Installation 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.

Joyce Nyagoa

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 Emmabwi Primary School is changing many lives.

The latrines that were constructed have eased the crowds of waiting pupils. As we conducted the interviews, we watched one girl confidently walk into one of the latrines, come out, and wash her hands at a handwashing stand stationed just a few meters from the latrines. This indicates that the habit of handwashing has been embraced.

Victor Kutai

"I have safe and clean drinking water in school," Raphael said.

"I can comfortably wash my hands after visiting the latrine, something that was not common before."

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.