A Year Later: Muhudu Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater tank for Muhudu Primary 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 Janet Kayi with you.

Immediately as we entered the gate of Muhudu Primary School, good hygiene practice is evident. We enjoyed walking around the clean compound that has been well-maintained by the student sanitation club that was started during our training a year ago. We saw pupils enjoying treated water from the 50,000-liter tank that was constructed last year. The school's appreciation of this precious commodity is obvious in the way they have constructed a gate around the tap to protect it.

The warm welcome and the smiles on their faces tell it all. Things at Muhudu Primary School have improved significantly since the completion of the project a year ago.

We spoke with Deputy Headteacher David Ivayo Imbayia and 14-year-old student Wilikister Kageha about the changes they have witnessed at the school.

"Since the project was completed, we no longer carry water from home every morning for use in school as before. We have enough time for our studies and now we have improved in our academics," Wilikister said.

Field Officer Janet Kayi, Wilikister Kageha, Deputy Headteacher David Ivayo Imbayia, and Solomon Msolo

These changes are apparent to the community, said Mr. Imbayia. The school attracted more students in the past year and they expect enrollment to increase even more as the new school year starts in January.

"The facilities have changed the face of the school and attracted the community members who are bringing in their children for admission," he said.

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 in Muhudu Primary School is changing many lives.

"For us as girls, there was no privacy due to poor latrines, but now we are safe," Wilikster told us.

"The latrines which were constructed in the school have a barrier wall which enhances privacy."

Wilikister Kageha with field officer Janet Kayi at the water tank

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.