A Year Later: Malichi Primary School

A year ago, generous donors helped rehabilitate a well for Malichi Primary School in Kenya. Because of these gifts and our monthly donors, partners are able to 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 with you.

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“By being an immediate neighbor of the school, I do bathe everyday because the rehabilitated well is closer to our home. I therefore fetch water anytime I need to.” These are the words of 14 year old student Ruth Muchika. She is one of many students whose life has been changed by this well both in school and at home.

WASH officer Paul Weringa recently had the chance to visit Malichi Primary School to check on the status of the well and see what changes a year with clean water can make. “Compared to how the situation was before, the general cleanliness of both the classrooms, latrines and pupils have improved… There is the adaptation of hand-washing behavior in school by both teachers and pupils since there is enough water in school.”

Deputy Head Teacher Elizabeth Apala notices similar improvements. “The well has played a major role in improving the hygiene and sanitation of the school. We do not have more pupils being admitted to hospitals because of the outbreak of the waterborne diseases.” Improved hygiene and sanitation leads to improved health; improved health leads to stronger students, unlocking their potential to learn and excel.

One challenge that Malichi Primary School is still working through is how to cooperate with the surrounding community with regard to the rehabilitated well. Community members benefit from the well, but are often unwilling to contribute to the maintenance of the well, including keeping it clean and contributing to a fund set aside for repairs. Paul and the SAWASHI team are working with Ms. Apala to set up meetings together with the community to encourage cooperation and ensure that this well is a reliable source for everyone for years to come.

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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.