A Year Later: Essaba Primary School

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

Upon entering the compound of Essaba Primary School, you are welcomed by the presence of a big water tank which stores water for the students to draw and use for various chores. They are happy that there is a known source of water that they can consume without fear of getting sick.

The compound looks clean with handwashing stations installed at strategic positions to enable the pupils wash their hands after visiting the latrine and before touching any food.

"Our pupils no longer go out of the school to fetch water now that safe, clean water is available within the school," Deputy Headteacher John Amukowa told us during a recent visit to the school.

Deputy Headteacher John Amukowa and Magret Anyona

"This has enabled the pupils to concentrate more in their classrooms and improve on their academic performance."

The whole school is benefiting, he added. Parents see their school's improved results and new facilities, and are choosing to send their children to this school. This has caused the student population to grow from 800 to over 1,000 in this last year.

All these facts are attributed to the construction of the 50,000-liter water tank, building of six VIP latrines and the provision of two handwashing stations.

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 Essaba Primary School is changing many lives.

"Since last year, I no longer have to carry water from home everyday when I go to school," 12-year-old student Margret Anyona said.

Magret Anyona

"Our studies are always conducted in clean classrooms because of the availability of water from the tank. The water is used for cooking in the kitchen and drinking by both the pupils and the staff. I always like staying in school because of the availability of water from the tank."

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.