A Year Later: Walodeya Primary School

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a rainwater catchment tank for Walodeya Primary 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 Jemmimah Khasoha with you.

The school is so happy, and their sincere gratitude is expressed through the way they have maintained their facilities. The rainwater harvesting tank is still in great condition and provides water for the whole school.

The lives of the pupils have greatly improved in many ways. The pupils do not go to fetch water from the river anymore, and this has helped them have more time in school for studies.

"The academic improvement has been made possible because the pupils have more time to study," Headteacher Sammy Ingolo said.

Headteacher Sammy Ingolo with field staff Jemmimah Khasoha

The school population has also increased since the completion of the project. The school is clean since the water is used in cleaning the classrooms and latrines. In addition, the pupils happily use the handwashing facilities after visiting the toilets that were constructed at the same time as the tank.

"The long queues that were seen at the latrines are no longer there. The pupils quickly use the facilities without congestion," Mr. Ingolo added.

Students pose in front of latrines

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 Walodeya Primary School is changing many lives.

The impact of the project on 12-year-old Margret Khamunye is evident by her smiling face.

Margret Khamunye, field staff Jemmimah Khasoha, and Sammy Ingolo

"My life has been greatly impacted academically, for I no longer waste much time going to the river to fetch water," she told us.

"Initially, I used to get home with a dirty uniform because our classroom was full of dust. Thank you so much for your kind and generous support!"

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.