A Year Later: No More Danger!

The people of Machemo used to get their water from a slippery, algae-ridden spring dug into a swampy area. Normally, kids fetch water for families in Kenya, but in Machemo, that was impossible.

"We [kids] rarely used to get water here because the spring was in a bush and was a hole, so our parents felt it dangerous for us," nine-year-old Melvin A. explained. "The spring was also made dirty when it rained."

But since we protected the spring and made it safer, that has changed. But Melvin doesn't seem to mind fetching water for her family since it's so easy!

"We enjoy fetching water from this water point," Melvin said. "We sometimes come to fetch water and even play with it because it pleases us how it flows and [is] clean. The accessibility is easier."

Even better than the convenience of fetching water with stairs is the lack of water-related diseases like cholera and typhoid, which used to plague this community.

"We are always happy because the water is clean [and] the spring is clean, [which] encourages people from far [away] to get water here because they believe it is safe and clean," said 43-year-old farmer Shackillah Lakwanyi. "The sanitation around the spring has greatly improved. Our children are able to get clean water for consumption and other uses."

"We carry water home for cleaning our dishes, clothes, and uniforms," Melvin concluded. "We drink clean water, and when carrying water to school, we are sure it is clean."

Community members at the spring: Melvin stands in the front in the red dress, Shackillah is the woman behind her in the blue and red dress.