A Year Later: Water Improves Daily Life for Students!

Peninah, 15, recalled what life was like at Kasevi Girls Secondary School before her school's rain tank was installed last year.

"Being in a boarding school without enough water in the school made life difficult. I had to stay thirsty during classes, and meals [were] often delayed because of the acute water scarcity. I felt miserable going to class in the morning without proper personal hygiene, which made me very uncomfortable. We would also scramble for water to drink, especially after meals. We could barely clean our classrooms and latrines because the little available water was reserved for cooking," Peninah said.

But now, collecting water is something Peninah can do whenever she needs clean water for drinking or meeting her daily needs.

"I am glad that we now have adequate water within the school because I can easily drink clean water whenever I need to. I am also able to wash my garments, wash my hands, and take a bath regularly, which has boosted my confidence in class. My grades have also improved because I no longer spend a lot of time queuing or scrambling for water. We have also managed to plant and grow trees as well as vegetables in the school. I am also [able] to irrigate my crops because I am an agriculture student; thus, I have excelled in the subject," said Peninah.

Having ready access to water from the rain tank has made a difference, allowing Peninah to feel more comfortable physically and pour her energy into learning instead of worrying about her lack of water.

"Hygiene and sanitation within the school have improved, and I am more comfortable during lessons and staying in school. My health has also improved significantly because I am drinking clean water that does not expose me to infections like typhoid and amoeba. Additionally, I am happy that I can easily conduct personal hygiene because we have enough water," Peninah concluded.