A Year Later: Lukala Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater tank for Lukala 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 Jemmimah Khasoha with you.

Life for the pupils of Lukala Primary School has greatly improved, along with their academic performance. This is all thanks to the successful water project implemented in the school a year ago. It has saved students time that was previously spent searching for water. They now concentrate more on classwork.

The students are experiencing improved health because of the easy access to good water. Before the project was implemented, students used to miss class due to diarrhea and stomachaches often caused by consuming unsafe water.

"I use the time that was once wasted going to the river to fetch water to study and also get to teachers to help me in my most difficult subjects. Thank you so much for the support," said 13-year-old student Columba Murono.

Other students are doing better too. According to Headteacher John Olwanda, the school sent two students to national schools after the recent national exams, something the school has not done in the past few years. Headteacher Olwanda also said that the water helps reduce cases of sand fleas since the classrooms and school grounds are kept clean with water.

John Olwanda

"We are proud and saving a very big thank you for you. You have gotten us to the safest place. I am glad that as a health teacher my pupils are doing well. I have a task to play: to ensure that hygiene is maintained, if not improved, here," Mr. Olwanda said.

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 Lukala Primary School is changing many lives.

Columba Murono

"My life in this school has really changed since you installed the facilities," said Columba.

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.