A Year Later: Kyanzasu Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation helped us construct a rainwater catchment tank for Kyanzasu 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 students of Kyanzasu Primary School have not been required to carry water to the school in 3 or 5-liter containers like they used to. This is because the water tank has provided the school community with enough clean water to run their daily affairs smoothly.

Learning activities have been going well since there are no distractions caused by water scarcity. Over the last year, cases of pupils being taken to the hospital with serious stomach pains have significantly decreased, thanks to the availability of clean water at school.

We spoke to Deputy Headteacher Daniel Mutinda and his student, Nzisa Kioko, about any other changes they have witnessed over the past year with water.

On the left, Nzisa Kioko; on the right, Deputy Headteacher Daniel Mutinda

"We are witnessing an improvement in the health situation of our pupils. Since the implementation of this water project, there have been few cases of stomach problems reported by pupils compared to past years," confirmed Teacher Mutinda.

There are "minimal interruptions, which is improving the academic performance of the school children. Textbook maintenance is better since the pupils have clean hands which leave the books clean. They can last for longer periods."

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 Kyanzasu Primary is changing many lives.

"We are now getting enough clean drinking water in school from the water tank. The water is sweet and enjoyable," Miss Kioko said.

Miss Nzisa Kioko

"The training on hygiene and sanitation has created a strong handwashing culture as we now wash our hands before meals and after visiting the latrines. The classes and latrines are now being cleaned on a daily basis because water is available in plenty. This is improving the levels of hygiene and sanitation in school and creating a conducive learning environment."

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.