A Year Later: Freedom From Fear

Students at Samitsi Special School are used to adversity, but the added physical and emotional burden of collecting sufficient water to meet their school's needs often felt like too much.

"Getting water was a challenge where we used to fetch water across [from] the school [by] crossing the road. The hand-dug well we fetched water [from] could dry up in the dry season, or we [were] chased away by the owner," said student Eliud.

But since we installed a large rain tank at the school last year, students' burdens have lessened.

"We can fetch water here easily and do our work efficiently. [The] cleaning of classrooms and toilets has become easier. Our sanitation and hygiene have greatly improved as compared to earlier on," said Eliud. "Our teacher always complained of time management. We are able to make it to our classes on time."

Not only have students' daily cleaning chores become more manageable, and learning opportunities increased, but the risks associated with crossing the busy road and the bullying they faced while collecting water are also now gone.

"The fear of accidents and being chased away from water points is now gone," Eliud declared.

What joy knowing Eliud and his friends can experience freedom from those burdens!

Eliud and his teacher at the school rain tank.