A Year Later: Shipala Primary School

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a rainwater catchment tank for Shipala Primary 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 Janet Kayi with you.

Life for these students has significantly improved over the past year and this is as a result of the water project. The pupils now access clean and safe water for drinking from the tank that is treated with chlorine. As a result, the student population grew by 32 students this school year.

"The Water Project has turned around things for the better," deputy headteacher Edwin Amuhaya said.

"Before the tank, a lot of time was wasted searching for water during the day. Pupils were always out of classes to get water which used to interfere with class lessons. It is no longer a problem, nor are the waterborne diseases that used to affect the children after drinking contaminated water."

Travilian Muyega and Edwin Amuhaya

The water tank, VIP latrines, and handwashing facilities within the compound have brought tremendous changes in the school. Everywhere is neat and even; classrooms that used to look so disorganized are now so tidy. Pupils are well-kept because the availability of enough water and sanitation facilities has made it easy for them to exercise good hygiene.

They now have an adequate supply of water for cleaning and cooking their meals. Moreover, they are able to their wash their hands properly after visiting the toilet by using the handwashing facilities installed in the school.

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.

Travilian Muyega

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 tank in Shipala Primary School is changing many lives.

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.