Evalyne's Stress is Now Gone!

In March 2023, you helped implement a rain tank at the Syomukii Primary School! One year of clean, accessible water has made an impact on the lives of the students and staff. When we visited recently, one student in particular had lots to share!

Before the Spring's Protection

Eleven-year-old Evalyne shared what life was like before her school's rain tank was constructed.

"We did not have enough water in our school and had to carry five or ten-liter jerrycans from home. We could not engage in CBC (Competency-Based Curriculum) projects such as clay modeling or agriculture. The water we carried from home was mostly acquired from open scoop holes, leading to infections like stomachaches, diarrhea, and so on," said Evalyne.

Students made the trek to find water before their rain tank was completed.

"Carrying water to school every day was exhausting because I had to accompany my mother in the evening to fetch water from the distant Katse River. I could not come to school during most of the drought periods when there was no water to carry to school due to fear of punishment. The water was not clean, and we stored them in open jerrycans that could accumulate dust during the day. I was forced to stay home on several occasions because of water-related infections, and I would miss playing and studying with my friends," she continued.

Since the Spring's Protection

Finding and collecting water is far less stressful for Evalyne and the other students at the Syomukii Primary School now. Accessible water has been a game changer for her, relieving health issues, giving back her time that was once stolen by long treks to water sources, and making time for a vital part of her childhood: playing with friends!

Evalyne (left) easily collects clean water.

"I spend less time and energy carrying water to school, which allows me to improve my academic performance. My studies have improved. In the past, I would be stressed thinking about how I carry water again the next day with a bag of books on my back. That stress is now gone, and I [can] now focus on my studies," she said.

"I get more time to play with my friends and study, leading to improved academic performance because I no longer bring water from home. I now arrive [at] school on time and eager to learn because I no longer need to carry water from home," Evalyne continued.

Evalyne drinking clean water!

Evalyne's Future is Looking Bright!

Even during the dry months, Evalyne has access to clean water at school! Now that she no longer has to worry about where she will find water, she has big dreams inspired by the school's improved hygiene and sanitation protocols!

"Hygiene and sanitation have improved, and I am more comfortable during lessons while keeping off diseases, such as typhoid and amoeba, because we are drinking clean water. I remember handwashing, and I still wash [my] hands regularly to block the spread of diseases. When I grow up, I want to be a doctor so that I can teach people about the importance of drinking clean water," Evalyne concluded.

Having ready access to water from the rain tank has made a difference for Evalyne, allowing her to release the worries once associated with water. Her future is bright, and she is unstoppable with access to clean water!