A Year Later: Shitoto Community, William Manga Spring

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect William Manga Spring for Shitoto 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.

The children in this community are now at a lower risk of waterborne diseases. The availability of clean and reliable water makes them healthier and enables the children to wash their clothes regularly and take baths. On the other hand, the women are able to engage in economical activities because they spend less time at the spring.

During a recent visit to the community, we found women in the fields cultivating land since it is planting season in Kenya. We spoke with Beatrice Kenneth and Elizabeth Alumasa about how the spring protection has impacted their lives.

"Right now we are a peaceful community that is focused on development and the education of our children," said Ms. Kenneth.

Beatrice Kenneth and Elizabeth Alumasa

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 Shitoto is changing many lives.

Elizabeth Alumasa

"Since the spring was protected last year, we fetch water quickly and have time to play on the weekends or do our homework during the week," Elizabeth said.

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.