A Year Later: Shikhambi Community

A year ago, generous donors helped build a spring protection and sanitation platforms for the Shikhambi community surrounding Isabella Spring in Kenya. Because of these gifts and our monthly donors, partners can visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the actual water project. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – we’re excited to share this one from our partner, Rose Serete, with you.

Clean water access at Isabella Spring has created ripples of benefit throughout the surrounding community.  Spring protections such as this one have long lasting effects on health, education, and even business.  Isabella is a fighter who has stepped up to the challenges of poverty and sickness by starting and building her own soap making business.  Her work is a premier example of strength and ingenuity as she provides affordable access through local materials to improved community health and sanitation.

In addition, many students are thankful for the access to clean water at Isabella Spring. Patrick Yusi, age 17, says, “Personally I am happy because of protection of the Isabella Spring. As a member of the community we have a lot of water. In addition, we don't take a lot of time to draw water because there is hardly any queue.”  Reduced time waiting in line for water collection means more time for community members to pursue their own goals.

WEWASAFO will continue supporting the Shikhambi community to ensure that clean water is not only available, but also that the community has tools to keep the water clean until drinking it. In addition, WEWASAFO trains and challenges the community to build and maintain clean latrines.

While it may seem like one spring is just a drop in the bucket, Isabella Spring continues to provide safe drinking water to many people who are now more free to pursue their own vision for a flourishing life.  We are excited to stay in touch with this community and to report the impact in the Shikhambi community as they continue on their journey.

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.