A Year Later: Shiamala Community

A year ago, generous donors helped protect David Ashiona Spring for Shiamala Community in Western 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 – we’re excited to share this one from our partner, Karen Maruti, with you.

On the way to Ashiona Spring, we were greeted by smiling women and children who seemed healthier and stronger. Good hygiene practices and the presence of sanitation facilities including bathing shelters, latrines, dish racks, and clotheslines were evident as they traversed through the village.

This big change is linked to the accessibility of safe drinking water and the health and hygiene training that was conducted in this community.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank you, very good Samaritan. I call you Samaritans for no one else has shown us such a great sense of love. We really suffered in the past from diarrhoeal disease due to lack of clean water," Rose Achina, a local community health worker, said.

"The protection of the spring and water improvement methods that we learned during training have enabled us access safe and clean drinking water. Diarrhea, stomachaches, and outbreaks are things of the past now."

Completion of the spring protection is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project and WEWASAFO (our trusted local partner) are 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.

"I no longer fear coming to the spring to fetch water. Initially, it was a big hole where we scooped water. During the rainy season, it was slippery and we feared coming down to fetch water. Now I can access water any season without fear," Lavine Khalachi, a 14-year-old girl, said.

This spring in Shiamala Community is changing many lives. This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, WEWASAFO, 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.