A Year Later: Shiyabo Secondary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater tank for Shiyabo Secondary School 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 Jonathan Mutai with you.

One year later, Shiyabo Secondary School students and staff can still access safe, clean water at all times. The administration says the number of reported cases of waterborne diseases has drastically decreased due to the project at the school.

"I lack the words to express my happiness for the project you constructed for us," said Principal Joyce Kisali during our recent visit.

Joshua Wambire with Principal Joyce Kisali

The project is helping the school stand on its own. It no longer has to share facilities and classrooms with the primary school - all thanks to the project, Ms. Kisali told us.

"Now, safe and clean water is at our doorstep!" she exclaimed.

Water from the tank is not only used for drinking but also for different chores within the school. The tank greatly assisted the school during construction of a new classroom recently.

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.

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 Shiyabo Secondary School is changing many lives.

"We are very happy with the project you constructed in our school," said student Joshua Wambire.

Joshua Wambire and one of his classmates at the tank

"We used to share pit latrines with the primary school, but now we have our own. We also practice handwashing after visiting the latrine - something we didn't do before because there were no handwashing stations."

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.