A Year Later: Mumias Central Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater catchment tank for Mumias Central 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 Karen Maruti with you.

Initially, Mumias Central Primary School wasted a lot of money buying water to meet its needs. But now there is a reliable supply of water on the school grounds. We noticed there was a new building at the school during our recent visit. The administrators said it was constructed as a result of the savings made from no longer purchasing water.

"Many students left the school because the environment was not friendly. Now we have increased the student population from 1,500 students before the project to more than 1,800 today," Headteacher Francis Owamu said during our visit.

Francis Owamu and Field Officer Karen Maruti

The school also looked cleaner and pupils were seen washing their hands after toilet use. In the past, they did not wash their hands because there were no handwashing facilities.

"The school is a much more peaceful environment. There is minimal commotion searching for water. The time saved is being used by the pupils to study. We were the best in the zonal, divisional and national examinations," Mr. Owamu continued.

"And as I stand before these many trophies I am grateful that the project led to improved performance."

These immense changes could only be the result of the the water, sanitation, and hygiene project implemented in the school last year.

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 Mumias Central Primary School is changing many lives.

"Thank you for this clean and safe water! Now we can quench our thirst any time..." 13-year-old student John Barasa.

John Barasa

He also added that classes can now carry out activities, such as lab experiments, now that there is water on the school grounds.

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.