A Year Later: Ilinge Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation helped us construct a rainwater catchment tank for Ilinge 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 Titus Mbithi with you.

The school community now enjoys an adequate supply of clean water from the tank. School children are no longer required to carry water to school each day since the water tank provides enough water for all of the school needs. The school is planning to start a kitchen garden and grow vegetables using the available water, which will help boost the pupils' meals.

We spoke to Headteacher Damiana Nzii and one of her students, Kilonzo Munyao about the additional changes they have witnessed over the last year.

"Pupils and teachers are enjoying the smooth operations  and conducive learning environment since the availability of water has solved many delays we experienced in the past, especially for school meals," said Headteacher Nzii.

"The levels of hygiene and sanitation have improved with classes, latrines and other school facilities now being cleaned regularly. The school is planning to start an agroforestry plot and a kitchen garden to boost tree coverage and diets in school respectively."

From left to right: Headteacher Nzii, Titus Mbithi, and Kilonzo Munyao

Construction of the rainwater catchment 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.

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 at Ilinge Primary is changing many lives.

"We are now getting enough clean water for drinking," Kilonzo said. "We are not required to carry water to school on a daily basis like it used to happen before this water project. Walking to school is now easy and less tedious, which has improved concentration levels in class."

Student Kilonzo Munyao

"Water from the tank is being used in watering trees around the school compound. This is working well towards creating more shade and windbreakers within the school," he continued. "The availability of water and handwashing facilities is helping improve levels of hygiene and sanitation through washing of hands after visiting latrines and before meals"

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.