Giving Update: Elukani Community, Ongari Spring

Since Ongari Spring was protected in Elukani last year, community members' lives have improved positively in terms of hygiene practices and access to clean and water. Waterborne diseases have decreased tremendously, and community members now lead more healthy lives.

Having looked at some of the homesteads in this community, it is evident that they have put into practice what they were trained on about proper sanitation and improved hygiene habits. They have clotheslines, dishracks, and well-constructed latrines. Their compounds are also clean with neatly trimmed grass. We were excited and proud to see how well people have taken these matters to heart and have improved their health status.

"We are grateful for the protection of our spring," said Kevin Eshiwani, one of the spring's volunteer caretakers. "The water from the spring is clean and safe for personal use and home chores too. As a result, waterborne diseases have been kept at bay and we don't spend much on hospital bills."

Dorine at the spring

7-year-old Dorine Amwayi also talked with us while she was at the spring, and shared how its protection has impacted her life over the last year.

"We now have clean water to drink and use in our home. I hardly miss school because of diarrhea and typhoid unlike before when water-related sickness was very common. Thank you for protecting our spring!"