A Year Later: Lusengeli Secondary School

A year ago, generous donors helped build a rainwater catchment system and latrines for Lusengeli Secondary 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, Janet Kayi, with you.

Students have improved in their academic performance. The positive change is attributed to the time saved during lunch hours because they easily get water from the water tank situated near the dining hall.

School principal Mageso Mathews Idagiza shared how the rainwater catchment system has impacted the school since it was installed one year ago. “There has been revived interest among students to give their best in academics. Students do feel loved, cared for and appreciated when they see people sacrifice to put up new sanitation facilities for their sake and general well-being in the school. As a result, the school enrollment has gone a notch high, by 100 new students, due to the improved water and sanitation status in the school.”

“The improvement in population has also put a lot of pressure on the water and sanitation facilities that are currently available. For example, water in the tank gets depleted so fast due to the direct dependence of the water by the students to meet all their daily needs.”

Evance Businya, a 17-year-old student at the school shares how this water project has inspired him in his daily life. “The coming of the project and its successful implementation helped me to find my life bearing to a great deal. The health and hygiene messages provided during the CTC workshop inspired us to view health more holistically and responsibly. The water tank plus the latrines also boosted our self-esteem because we have been made comfortable to give our best attention to class work because we now don't have to worry about water for use in school. For example, we wash our utensils and our hands anytime when need be.”

The school community is very appreciative, concerned and mindful of their water project. The CTC clubbers are so active and determined to see that the project leaves a permanent positive mark in their lives and for those coming after them. The school administration is also willing to chip in to do repair works for the boys' latrine so that the current congestion on the remaining latrine doors can be addressed with speed. The girls still need improved sanitation facilities to ease the congestion due to increased students' population. We will continue to provide health and hygiene information to help girls and boys maintain high standards of hygiene in their latrines.

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.