Giving Udpate: Shirakala Community, Ambani Spring

October, 2019

A year ago, your generous donation helped Shirakala Community in Kenya access clean water – creating a life-changing moment for Titus Isaac. Thank you!

Giving Udpate: Shirakala Community, Ambani Spring


"The protection of Ambani Spring has been a real blessing to this community," reported Field Officer Jacklyne Chelagat reflecting on her recent visit to Shirakala.

"They are now able to access clean and safe water for their domestic use. Initially, cattle, sheep, and goats would step in the water source and make the water so dirty and they had to wait for so long for the water to settle before they could fetch [it]. With the protection, the animals cannot easily access the water point making it more clean and safe for consumption."

"The area around the spring looks smart and so appealing to the eyes. Members of this community can now access clean and safe water. They are so committed in ensuring that the environment around the spring is well-maintained," Jacklyne added.

(To hear Jacklyne speak with community member Rhoda Sakwa about the protected spring, and to hear what roaring a 4-pipe discharge sounds like, check out the video on the Photos tab of this project!)

Rhoda Sakwa with Field Officer Jacklyne at the spring

Treasurer of the water committee Titus Issac met Jacklyne at the spring on her visit and shared how he thinks the project has impacted his community in the first 12 months since its completion.

"Cases of waterborne diseases have greatly reduced since the protection of the spring. This has resulted [in the] emergence of [a] few development activities that have improved the living standards of its people...During the [spring] protection, a few people were issued with [sanitation platforms] and we have seen how it has improved their lives," Titus said.

Rhoda, Jacklyne, and Titus are all smiles at the spring

10-year-old John Lihavo, though a bit shy at first, was pleased to share his own experience after Ambani Spring's protection.

"Since the spring was protected, it is now easier to get water from the spring. We used to spend a lot of time in the spring whenever we were sent to the spring to fetch water...At the moment we do not experience major challenges since we use [a] very short time to fetch water and run to school."

(We are currently investigating whether we can help improve access to clean water at John's school too so he and his classmates will not have to carry it from home!)

Titus, John, and Jacklyne at the spring



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