A Year Later: Esalwa Primary School

A year ago, generous donors helped build a rainwater catchment system and latrines with Esalwa Primary School in Western Kenya. Because of these gifts and contributions from our monthly donors, partners can visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the actual water project. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – we’re excited to share this one from our partner, Wilson Kipchoge, with you.

On entering the school compound, you will see totally a different view from last year. The water catchment system now serves the school and they really enjoy using it. A clean compound with trees and flowers has helped promote environmental hygiene of the school. Looking back at previous years, cases of waterborne diseases used to be reported. Now, the abundance of water available at the school has allowed the students and teachers to remain in a good health state and cleaner environment.

Senior teacher Dorcas Munala recognizes the impact the rainwater catchment system has made. “The school has enough water, unlike the previous years where we used to send pupils home to bring water. Latrines have really helped our pupils as many of them now come to the school knowing that there is no problem of relieving themselves outside the latrines as witnessed previously,” she reports. “Also, the population has risen significantly from previous 1192 pupils to now 1400.”

14-year-old student Diana Awinja has also experienced change thanks to the new water source. “I no longer carry water from my home because of the big water tank in our school which holds a lot of water. With the availability of this project, I spend much of my time studying unlike in the previous years where I used to waste a lot of time going to fetch water.”

Safety of the water still needs to be checked every now and then to avoid any rising cases of the water being unsafe. Due to this fact, the staff will be carrying out monitoring and evaluation to be able to deal with any problem arising and will be dosing the water in the tank to help in purifying the water. The Water Project and WEWASAFO have targeted schools just like this because of the potential that can be unlocked for both students and staff when clean water and sanitation is available. We know the positive changes at Esalwa Primary School from clean water access and healthy lifestyle changes will have ripples of impact throughout their school, their community, and in the surrounding areas. 

The Water Project and our partners are committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by monthly donors, allows us to visit communities up to 4 times a year. Read more about our program and how you can help.