A Year Later: Kapsambo PAG Primary School

A year ago, generous donors helped build a rainwater catchment system and latrines for Kapsambo PAG Primary School in Western Kenya. Because of these gifts and contributions from our monthly donors, partners can visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the actual water project. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – we’re excited to share this one from our partner, Christine Luvandwa, with you.

The feeding program in the school has been re-introduced as a result of water availability and the pupils no longer spend a lot of time going back home to have lunch as some of them cannot even afford that on a daily basis. Construction of the water tank and the Ventilated Improved Pit latrines have raised levels of excitement for the pupils due to the running water from the tank, and they are now able to wash their hands after visiting the latrines. The population has also grown since then - 30 new pupils have been admitted.

With the increase in population and even more pupils expected during the year, more facilities would be suitable for this institution and refresher training needs to be conducted to ensure the new pupils are equipped with the necessary hygiene and sanitation knowledge. As an organization, we plan to follow up on the functionality of the child to child club that is the only reliable platform of reaching many pupils.

"With the availability of the water in the tank, we saw it fit to re-introduce the feeding program for the pupils,” explains board of management chair Evans Businya, “since the cooks are now able to easily access water and the pupils no longer have to source water outside the compound. We also believe their performance will improve."

“I no longer have to go out to fetch water for cleaning and for the kitchen use,” says 12-year-old student Calvin Kuya. “This is a good thing for me and my fellow pupils since the time we used to spend to get water we now use to finish our assignments which has enabled me to prepare better for my lessons and the examinations as well.”

All in all, the facilities are in good working condition and the water is clean. With the rainy season the pupils are excited to be able to access water within the school compound. The environment is much cleaner compared to how it was before the rainwater tank was installed. We believe the WaSH training helped raise the school to the standards it is in now.

The Water Project and our partners are committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by monthly donors, allows us to visit communities up to 4 times a year. Read more about our program and how you can help.