A Year Later: Iyenga Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater tank for Iyenga 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 local team member Jacklyne Chelagat with you.

Iyenga Primary School has experienced massive changes following the implementation of the project a year ago. Upon entering the school compound, the clean and neat environment is a clear indication of the presence of sufficient clean water. The aesthetic value upheld in this compound is amazing. Bright faces and smiles shown to us during our visit to the school population were a clear indication of great satisfaction.

The ability to access clean and safe water has greatly improved the health of students. The absences previously recorded among the pupils are now history, and the school is optimistic of having better academic results this year.

Headteacher Christopher Birgen and field officer Jacklyne Chelagat

"Absenteeism among learners is in the past tense and this guarantees better performance in school," said Headteacher Christopher Birgen.

He also says that since students no longer have to spend time searching for water during the school day, they have the ability to stay in class and learn more.

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 project in Iyenga Primary School is changing many lives.

"It is so fortunate to be in this school at this particular period of time where the total concentration and preparation is required as a candidate. The implementation of the water project has enabled us to settle in class and learn instead of wasting time going to the stream and fetching water," said 13-year-old Zebedee Alubitsia.

Zebedee Alubitsia

"The presence of clean and safe water in school has improved our health status. We are indeed fortunate to have the project."

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.