A Year Later: Kyanzasu Secondary School

A year ago, your generous donation helped us construct a rainwater catchment tank for Kyanzasu Secondary 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 has not been buying water over the last year thanks to this rainwater catchment tank. Money that was initially spent on water purchases is now being saved and used for a new staff room.

Students and staff have plenty of water for drinking, cleaning, and cooking school lunch. The school has even used extra water from the tank to plant more trees and flowers around the school compound, too.

We talked to Principal Mbaluto and one of his students, Mercy Kyalo, about additional changes they have observed over the last year with water.

"We are no longer sending students out to fetch water for use in school like it used to happen before this project," said Principal Mbaluto.

"Availability of enough water has enabled us to start tree planting and flower gardens in our compound through watering. Students and teachers have embraced the handwashing culture before meals and after visiting latrines"

Mercy Kyalo at one of the handwashing stations

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 Secondary School is changing many lives.

From left to right: Mercy Kyalo, Titus Mbithi, and Principal Mbaluto.

"This project has really improved my stay in the school as it has ended the water challenges experienced before," said Mercy Kyalo.

"We are now getting enough water for drinking, cooking and cleaning school facilities. Availability of handwashing facilities and enough clean water has created a strong handwashing culture among students, which is improving the levels of hygiene and sanitation in school."

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.