A Year Later: Malinya Girls Secondary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater tank for Malinya Girls 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 Jacklyne Chelegat with you.

This water project has turned things around for the better.

Students are able to settle into class and learn without interruptions caused by leaving school grounds to fetch water. The school's average test scores are expected to increase, as teachers report that student performance in class has improved over the past year.

"We are privileged to access clean and safe water for consumption. It has improved the health of the students and this has curbed absenteeism among pupils," said school Principal Rita Meli.

Rita Meli and Field Officer Jacklyne Chelagat

The school's sanitation and hygiene standards have also improved significantly. Cases of girls missing class because of water-related diseases after consuming dirty water from the spring are now the past. Malinya Girls has increased its enrollment, as it has become a more attractive learning center due to the tank and latrines constructed a year ago.

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 project at Malinya Girls Secondary School is changing many lives.

"I am able to fully concentrate on my studies and undertake proper ways of sanitation and hygiene thanks to this project. The presence of the handwashing station has helped us have clean and safe hands all the time!" said 17-year-old student Fidelia Ajwang.

Fidelia Ajwang

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.