A Year Later: Timbito Community, Atechere Spring

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Atechere Spring for Timbito 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 Christine Luvandwa with you.

This water project has transformed the lives of the people of this community in terms of ease of access to clean water and sanitation facilities. People now have a cleaner living environment, children are growing up in clean and beautiful surroundings, and women are having an easy and fun time carrying out their daily chores - all thanks to the reliable availability of clean water.

Before the spring's protection, women like Shaeni Wilkister had to scoop water that pooled at the spring to pour it into larger containers. The process was time-consuming because each person had to wait for the dirt in the water to settle after it was stirred up by each scoop. Women had little free time since they spent so much time fetching water and attending to other household duties.

Fetching water at the spring

"This had been the trend for a long time and I believe it had robbed us [of] a lot of time and opportunities to develop ourselves and our communities," Sheni told us.

But that is no longer the case, thanks to the spring protection. The attached pipe allows Shaeni to fill her container directly - without concern of contamination.

"I am happier now that I have the opportunity to channel some of my energy elsewhere," Shaeni Wilkister said. "The water project is one step towards women saving time and getting some to spend on development issues."

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.

Field officer Christine (center) poses for a picture with community members at the spring

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 spring in Timbito is changing many lives.

"As a school-going student I now have easy and fast access to clean water," Victoria Kageha said. "This saves me time and therefore gives me room to carry on with my school assignments before it gets too dark."

Victoria Kageha fetching water

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.