A Year Later: St. Kizito Lusumu Secondary School

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a rainwater catchment tank for St. Kizito Lusumu Secondary 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 Jemmimah Khasoha with you.

The lives of the teachers and students at St. Kizito Secondary have greatly improved in the past year. The school economy has improved so much. They used to spend money to provide enough water for the students each day, but now they no longer have to spend that money. Thanks to the tank, they can now invest in improving the students' lunches.

"The students have enough time to study during tea break and lunch hours, for they can access water easily after their meals," Deputy Principal Sarah Luvonga said. "The students' hygiene has also improved because they easily access water." Students no longer have to spend their class breaks in search of the water they need.

Sarah Luvonga

The school is very neat and clean, proving that the training which done last year was effective. The students are no longer waiting in long lines for the facilities since the construction of new latrines. They wash their hands after visiting toilets too, using the handwashing stations we delivered and the extra ones they constructed on their own. The compound is clean, for there are dustbins next to classrooms and a compost pit where the litter is being disposed. The area near the tank is also clean.

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 tank in St. Kizito Lusumu Secondary School is changing many lives.

Tracy Makokha and Sarah Luvonga

"My life has really changed health-wise since we got the improved sanitation facilities and tank," 17-year-old Tracy Makokha 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.