A Year Later: Namalenge Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater tank for Namalenge 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 Jonathan Mutai with you.

The students and staff at Namalenge Primary School are accessing safe, clean water not only for drinking but also for cleaning classrooms, toilets, and washing utensils after lunch. The feeding (lunch) program within the school is now consistent due to the availability of water for cooking. Pupils no longer have to carry water from home every morning to school. And cases of absenteeism in the school have decreased due to fewer cases of waterborne diseases.

All of these improvements are attributed to the construction of the 50,000-liter rainwater tank, six latrine doors, and the two handwashing stations installed at the school a year ago.

"We are very grateful for considering our school for the project. The tank has helped our pupils to clean their classrooms and washrooms. The pupils have reduced time lost going to fetch water from a distant spring for the school," said Headteacher Alex Ywaya.

Headteacher Alex Ywaya posing with Lvenda Adeya and Owen Wanaami at the tank

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 Namalenge Primary School is changing many lives.

"I now have gotten enough time for studies," said 13-year-old student Owen Wanaami.

Lvenda Adeya and Owen Wanaami with field officer Jonathan Mutai

"Before construction of the tank, we used to waste a lot of time on fetching water from the spring."

Owen also noted the fact that students are using the handwashing facilities after going to the bathroom - something he attributes to improved hygiene awareness at the school. Mr. Ywaya echoed his comment and added that the latrines that were constructed are appreciated because students have a safe place to go to the bathroom and no longer wait in long lines.

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.