A Year Later: Shikoti Community, Amboka Spring

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Amboka Apring for Shikoti Community 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 Joan Were with you.

People in Shikoti are enjoying good health thanks to the protection of Amboka Spring and the accompanying hygiene education that was conducted for the community last year. We recently spoke with people at the spring and they report that diarrhea cases have decreased in children below five.

"We are very grateful and appreciative because you have brought us clean water," said Bassiliano Amboka, the owner of the land where the spring is located.

Bassiliano Amboka

Mothers we spoke with said their infants are healthier. With health children, these mothers can spend more of their time engaging in economic activities.

"We no longer run in and out of hospitals with our kids because they fall sick less often," Mr. Amboka said.

Protection of the spring 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 Shikoti is changing many lives.

"I am now drinking clean water from a protected spring unlike before when we would fetch contaminated water from a trench. The occurrence of waterborne diseases has really reduced in our family and the community at large," said Bridgit Shiundu, a 12-year-old student.

Bridgit Shiundu, her family, and field officer Joan Were

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.