A Year Later: Lelmokwo Boys Secondary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater tank for Lelmokwo Boys 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 local team member Wilson Kipchoge with you.

This students and staff at Lelmokwo Boys Secondary School is very appreciative for the help that was given to them by constructing a rainwater tank,  latrines and provision of handwashing facilities. The students have been able to access safe clean water within their doorstep, reducing the time that was spent fetching the water each day.

"I concentrate more on my studies without worrying about how to get water after class work because there is a guaranteed water supply in the school," 17-year-old student Eli Tuwei said during a recent visit to the school.

"Availability of water within the school has enabled me to wash my hands daily, thus preventing hygiene-related diseases like cholera and diarrhea."

Previously, this school did not have handwashing facilities which placed the lives of many students as well as staff at risk of getting hygiene related dis- eases. Now, Eli and his classmates practice handwashing with soap daily. Students also no longer queue to in order to access the latrines.

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 tank in Lelmokwo Boys Secondary School is changing many lives.

Dean of Studies Geofrey Lel

School enrollment increased by 80 students since the completion of the project, Dean of Studies Geofrey Lel told us. It is attributed to the tank and latrines which have helped contribute the the overall appearance and prestige of the school. Most important, the students are better off.

"As teachers, we have witnessed great improvement in terms of time management since students take very short time to access water," he continued.

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.