Peace of Mind for Shalom

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Shalom. Since then, she and the 595 students and staff at Bondeni Primary School have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"The water is accessible, reliable, and safe. I do not have to worry that I might be sick from taking it," said Shalom.

Before the Well Installation

Like many students in Western Kenya, 14-year-old Shalom is responsible for collecting water to meet her daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her.

The previous water source.

Drinking water from the previous water source caused severe consequences. Many in the school suffered from waterborne diseases that created health problems, affecting their daily lives. Limited access also meant that students and staff wasted time collecting enough water to meet their needs. The difficult journey to collect water sapped their physical and emotional energy. For Shalom, it meant that her opportunities to stay healthy and attend school were limited, and her safety was constantly a concern.

"Before, at one point, I remember missing school a whole week because of contracting typhoid and amoeba from drinking contaminated water. I had to be admitted for a whole week, then later put on medication for another week. It was not an easy time," recalled Shalom.

Since the Well Installation

Your generous gift last year was more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement of your commitment to this school community and to Shalom’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Shalom at the school well.

Reliable, clean water lays the groundwork for improved health, education, and economic opportunities, allowing people to thrive. We frequently hear from those we interview that "water is life!"

"I enjoy the convenience of not having to walk a long distance in search of water. I also enjoy that I don't have to carry a heavy jerrican on my head. All I do is bring my cup or bottle and get water for myself," said Shalom.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Shalom and her school. This is just the first chapter of their story as access to clean water continues to improve their lives!

At The Water Project, we value sustainability and want to ensure that people continue to thrive. We commit to monitoring this project to ensure the water is always flowing and safe to consume. We inspect system hardware, monitor water availability, conduct sanitary inspections, and collect water-quality samples to identify risks. We work with our on-the-ground team to resolve them.

You gave Shalom a crucial tool for achieving her dreams: access to clean water. Together, we can be confident that, with this precious resource, her enthusiasm and courage will help Shalom fulfill her dreams.

When we asked Shalom what the best thing about living with clean water was, she bravely shared, "The peace and joy of knowing that the water is reliable, [and] I will not go to the stream again. Now, I am no longer harassed and threatened by the street boys. My safety is guaranteed. For me, that is a plus. My heart is at peace and with so much joy."

"I must say I have seen a lot of improvement. With having a peace of mind, I have concentrated more on my studies, and this has yielded a lot of fruit. I look forward to doing even better for the sake of my future. I am interested in the evolution [of] technology and science. I hope to do computer science in [the] future. I desire to grow myself in this area fully and become the best at it. This will ensure that I also support my family and help my parents in ensuring we secure a better life for ourselves," Shalom shared.