A Year Later: Friends Secondary School Shamakhokho

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a rainwater catchment tank for Friends Secondary School in Shamakhokho Community 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 Christine Luvandwa with you.

Friends Secondary School students now enjoy the availability of water in their school compound. It serves a number of purposes, including handwashing, drinking, cleaning, and cooking. This has enabled the students to have ample time for studying and also an environment suitable for learning. Life has become easier for this school community and for the neighboring primary school with which they share the compound.

"Before, the library time that is scheduled for each day from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm would be used as the time to go fetch water from the river," school librarian Enock Musalia said.

"This has, however, changed since the students now visit the library more often and we thus anticipate an improvement in their performance."

Ivy Kagea and Enock Musalia at the water point

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 Friends Secondary School Shamakhokho is changing many lives.

"Since the implementation of this project, the biggest changes have been in terms of hygiene and sanitation standards for the school. We now witness students adhering to high standards that ensure they are healthy," Mr. Musalia said.

Ivy Kagea, a 16-year-old student who recently joined the school instantly noticed the high level of hygiene and sanitation at Friends Secondary School.

Ivy Kagea

"Unlike my previous primary school, where we used to take such practices for granted, now I can say my health has improved immensely since I drink clean water and wash my hands at all critical points," she said.

"This has made me healthier."

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.