A Year Later: Shitaho Community

A year ago, generous donors helped protect Jared Spring in Shitaho Village, Western Kenya. Because of these gifts and contributions from 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 Betty Muhongo Majani with you.

During this visit to the spring, we were amazed at how much the number of people fetching water here has grown. Since the spring protection last year, more roads have constructed between Shitaho and Kakamega Town. This construction destroyed a tap system that was already in place, forcing many more to come to the spring to get clean water.

Sanitation has also improved, with the majority of families implementing what they learned during training. Compost pits, dish racks, and clotheslines were observed during this visit.

Rose giving a thumbs up for clean water!

Rose Mukoshi is the secretary of Jared Spring's water committee. She met Betty there to talk about some what she's seen: "I am very excited, for you have removed a thorn that was piercing so painfully. In our community everybody is excited to have access to clean and safe water. Health has positively improved, and thus many resources that used to be spent on medication are now used for other developmental activities."

Yvonne Makanji relies on this spring to provide water for all of her needs. Most importantly, drinking.

17-year-old Yvonne Makanji came to fetch water while Betty was there. She added "I am thankful for this clean and safe water. It has improved my academic performance, since I no longer miss class lessons due to health issues that resulted in drinking dirty water from the unprotected spring."

Betty notes that there's great cohesiveness and unity on the water committee, and that they're doing a lot more than just water. They're supporting each other in economic ventures, such as farming fish.

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.