A Year Later: Mwinaya Community

A year ago, generous donors helped protect Severe Spring for Mwinaya Community in Western Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow 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 – we’re excited to share this one from our partner, Jacklyne Chelagat, with you.

"This community was battling with water and sanitation-related diseases for a long time, forcing people to use massive resources to buy medication," Mr. Bonface Waswa said.

"As I speak, the recurring diseases have reduced due to accessing clean and safe water."

People are experiencing good health as a result of their spring being protected, and participating in the training equipped them with proper information on sanitation and hygiene practices. The previous water and sanitation-related diseases have completely decreased and the community members are able to engage in various development activities.

This community is amazing. Despite the few disagreements they have, accessing clean and safe water has taught them to appreciate one another and assist each other when there's a problem.

Protection of this spring is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project and WEWASAFO (our trusted local partner) are 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 functional spring in Mwinaya Community is changing many lives.

"Protection of the spring has positively improved my academics performance," Sylvia Were, a 10-year-old girl, said.

"I spend less time fetching water and going home to study. I rarely miss class lessons due to stomach upsets and other water-related diseases such as typhoid that I used to contract before protecting the spring."

This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, WEWASAFO, 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.