A Year Later: Kwa Kaleli Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation helped us construct a rainwater catchment tank for Kwa Kaleli 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 children and their teachers now enjoy a nearby, clean water source for drinking and cooking. The children have not carried water to school for the last year, unlike the many years prior. The water tank constructed at the school holds enough clean water for the entire school population.

From left to right: Senior Teacher Sammy, Aron Muthini, and Titus Mbithi

We talked to Senior Teacher Lilian Sammy and her student, Aron Muthini, about some of the other changes they have seen over the past year.

"Cases of absenteeism have significantly gone down as pupils enjoy walking to school without carrying water containers, which were a burden to them," said Mrs. Sammy.

"Levels of hygiene and sanitation have also improved, with our children embracing the concepts taught in the hygiene training by washing their hands after visiting latrines and before meals."

Senior Teacher Lilian Sammy

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.

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 tank at Kwa Kaleli Primary is changing many lives.

Mrs. Sammy and Aron filling glasses of water at the tank.

"I am no longer required to carry water to school in a 5-liter container like it used to be the case before construction of this tank. This has made my journey to school an easy and enjoyable one with minimal burden," shared 11-year-old Aron.

"We are provided with enough clean drinking water in school, which has led to increased concentration in class and working hard to improve on academic performance."

With enough clean drinking water, students can do what they're meant to do.

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.