A Year Later: Futsi Fuvili Community, Shikanga Spring

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Shikanga Spring for Futsi Fuvili Community 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 Joan Were with you.

The people living near Shikanga Spring love their water source. It is taken care of properly with fencing and farming activities no closer than 50 meters away, which prevents water pollution.

"Since this spring was protected, we are drinking clean water. We no longer have long lines at the spring and time is saved," said Jacob Askari, a boy we met collecting water at the spring.

Jacob Askari

The community members are now healthier because they are observing good hygiene practices and enjoying clean and safe water. These changes can be attributed to the protection of the spring last year. During the implementation of the project, the people were also trained on how to improve hygiene and sanitation, which gave them tips to stay healthy each day.

Protection of the spring 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 project in Futsi Fuvili is changing many lives.

Rebecca Askari, her daughter, and field officer Joan Were

"After the spring was protected, our water is now clean. It no longer has worms in it and the rate of waterborne diseases has reduced," said Rebecca Askari.

"We are very grateful and we welcome you in our community."

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.