A Year Later: Emulakha Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater catchment tank for Emulakha 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 local team member Betty Muhongo with you.

Since the implementation of the water project in Emulakha Primary School, the lives of the pupils have improved for the better.

Now the pupils have enough time to study, especially when compared to the past when a lot of time was wasted carrying water to school from home. And since there was never any of that water left by lunchtime, students were sent to get more water.

That is no longer the case, thanks to the rainwater tank installed last year.

"The availability of clean water has helped in cleaning the classrooms, the latrines and washing hands which has helped to maintain the overall hygiene standards in the school," 14-year-old student Augustine Murunga said to us during a recent visit to the school.

Augustine Murunga fetches water

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 Emulakha Primary School is changing many lives.

Before the project, there were not enough latrines at the school and this led to long lines, especially during break time.

Now the story is different. Lines are not as long after the six additional latrines were constructed as a part of the project. Pupils are seen washing their hands after using the toilets and those who eat at the school confirmed that there is enough water to wash their hands before eating, to clean their utensils, and even to drink. All of this is evidence that the provision of water and the accompanying hygiene training are having a huge positive impact on the school.

As a result, students are performing better in the annual Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams, Teacher Cornel Kiliswa Makokha told us. Furthermore, the student population increased by nearly 30 students - a change attributed to the improved facilities.

Deputy Headteacher Cornel Kiliswa Makokha, Augustine Murunga, and Field Officer Betty Muhango

"Thank you and God bless you," Mr. Makokha said.

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.