A Year Later: "We easily get water."

Before we installed a rain tank at St. Kizito Shihingo Primary School, students had to leave the school grounds to collect water from an unprotected stream. Not only did drinking this water make students sick, but going to the stream kept students out of class and exposed them to dangerous snake attacks.

"We fetched water from a passing stream for [cleaning]," said 15-year-old Sheldon. "For drinking, we fetched from a spring. The same containers we [used to fetch] water for cleaning are the same [we used] for cooking. In the course, the water was contaminated. We waited [a long] time to go to fetch water. Our proximity to [the] forest also [created a] risk of being attacked by snakes."

But now, with a rain tank on campus, students don't have to worry about wasting time, unclean water, or venturing into the forest where snakes are.

"[The tank] has reduced the risks of being attacked," Sheldon said. "Even last year, one of us was bitten by a snake. With this water point, that has changed. We easily get water.
We have saved time for remedials (study periods) and also enhanced our food hygiene."

"Generally, we have saved a lot of time," said teacher Jane Namwenya. "Especially in the morning for remedials, where water is fetched within a short time for cleaning purposes and kitchen use. It is easier for [the] teachers on duty to monitor [the] behavior of students since they are in school all time. This water point has enabled us to learn. Indeed, water unlocks different potentials. The mean grade for our school has slightly gone higher. Our sanitation standards are on [an] upward trend. We intend to continue with that spirit, and thank you so much."