A Year Later: Emurembe Primary School

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a rainwater catchment tank for Emurembe 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.

"Having water in our school has really saved us time, and now we have time to study. We can walk to school not heavily burdened with water," 16-year-old student Eunice Nyabera told us.

Eunice Nyabera

The impact of the tank, the latrines and handwashing stations on the school is immediately apparent. Student enrollment has already grown as a result of the project. Headmaster Nicholas Emonyi also reported that cases of waterborne illness among the students decreased over the past year. Students spend more time in class, rather than collecting water or lining up to use the latrine.

"The latrines have really helped us since we do not wait long when we need to use the latrine," Eunice agreed.

"We are happy because we wash our hands, our classrooms, and even our latrines using the water from the tank."

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.

Nicholas Emonyi

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 Emurembe Primary School is changing many lives.

"We now have enough safe drinking water in school," Eunice 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.