A Year Later: Ndwaani Primary School

A year ago, generous donors helped build a rainwater harvesting tank and latrines for the Ndwaani Primary School in Western Kenya. Because of these gifts and the contributions of our monthly donors, our partners are able to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the actual water project. These consistent visits allow us learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – we’re excited to share this one from our partner Titus Mbithi with you.

Students attending Ndwaani Primary School no longer have to carry water with them to school every day. Even if from a clean source, this water would be unsafe for drinking after the dusty journey to school. And after carrying both textbooks and water, students would be worn out before they even began class.

Field Officer Mbithi, students, and their headteacher give a thumbs up for clean water.

We met Headteacher Onesmus Waema at the rainwater catchment tank. Though the paint is wearing away, the tank itself is in excellent condition, and students are keeping the area clean. He said there is "enough water for drinking, and levels of hygiene and sanitation have improved."

Catherine Sila

Classrooms are clean, latrines are clean, and students are still washing their hands at the hand-washing stations.

14-year-old student Sila Catherine affirmed that this is the case, saying "we have stopped carrying water to school, we clean our hands after visiting the latrines, and we now have enough clean drinking water!"

The student health club is still active with 30 members and is led by three teachers. The committee is effectively managing the tank, ensuring that there's always enough clean water to serve Ndwaani Primary School and its students.

The Water Project and our partners are committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by monthly donors, allows us to visit communities up to 4 times a year. Read more about our program and how you can help.