A Year Later: "I Am More Confident in Class!"

James M., 16, recalled what life was like at Kamathiitu Secondary School before his school's rainwater catchment system was implemented last year.

"We experienced a lot of water issues in the past because there was little water in the school. For instance, we had to fetch water every evening from Katse River, located about 4km (2.4 miles) from our school, which was tiresome and time-consuming. The water was not enough to conduct personal or environmental hygiene, which negatively affected our self-esteem and comfort in class. Although our parents could bring water during the day, they would often delay, which consequently led to delays in meal preparation. The water was also unclean, and most of us would complain of stomach upsets, typhoid, or amoeba," James shared.

But life is much better for James and the other students at Kamathiitu Secondary School now.

"This rainwater tank has been a great reprieve for all [of] us. We now get clean water to drink, and meals are prepared on time. This has improved my comfort during learning, and I get more time to study because I am not forced to fetch water at the distant Katse River. We now mop our classrooms twice weekly, which was difficult in the past. We are also able to irrigate the trees in our school with ease because there is sufficient water from the implemented tank," said James.

Having ready access to water from the rainwater tank has made a difference for James, allowing him to focus on academics and envision a better life.

"This water point has enabled me [to] acquire better academic grades because I study in a conducive and clean environment. I no longer skip classes due to water-related infections. My hygiene has also improved, and I am more confident in class because there is enough clean water," He concluded.

Thank you for helping James access clean water and giving him the confidence to pursue his goals.

Right now, there are others just like him in neighboring communities that desperately need safe water access. Your support will immediately go to work to provide a clean water project - and we can't wait to introduce you to the next person you'll help.

James M. next to the school rain tank.