A Year Later: Rosterman Secondary School

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a rainwater catchment tank for Rosterman Secondary School in 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 – and we’re excited to share this one from Jacklyne Chelagat with you.

Not having clean and safe water or good sanitation and hygiene had been a thorn in the side of Rosterman Secondary School for decades. Implementation of the project has, to a great extent, improved the academic performance of students since they are now able to spend most of their time studying - not fetching water. The health status of students, as well as the teachers and subordinate staff, has improved significantly.

"The water project has played a very crucial role in my life and that of other students," student Peter Oyiengo said.

Peter Oyiengo

"I used to be absent most of the time and the problem was as a result of consuming dirty water from the stream. I used to contract water-related diseases and that prevented me from performing well in class."

The tank and the construction of new latrines had an immediate impact on the school. Community members learned of the improvements and more families sent their children to Rosterman Secondary School. Not only are students missing school less often, but more students are attending than ever before!

The water project has brought life in the school back to normal. The aesthetic value is good, and there's an appealing environment to send your daughter or son to study.

Construction of this 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 rainwater catchment tank in Rosterman Secondary School is changing many lives.

"The presence of clean and safe water in our school has led to significant improvements," senior teacher Alfred Anungo said.

Alfred Anungo

"It has improved the health status of the students, the sanitation and hygiene standards of the school have improved, and the performance of the students has improved. This is attributed to the proper attendance of the students because they are no longer sick from drinking contaminated water."

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.