Giving Update: Kithumba Primary School

Things at Kithumba Primary School have improved in the year since the completion of their water project. The students are enjoying a sufficient supply of water from the tank. Development projects are underway and the school is progressing well due to consistent access to water.

During a recent visit to the school, our teams were struck by the fact that the view and compound organization of Kithumba Primary School has changed drastically in the past year. The school is undergoing renovations of the classrooms and there are many trees and flowers planted at the center of the school. The nearby latrines look very organized with the handwashing stations positioned strategically, painting a school with high hygiene and sanitation standards.

"The water tank has helped us a lot. We have had water throughout the year which is a great achievement for the school. An adequate supply of water has reduced the financial strains we had of purchasing water during the term," said Head Teacher Titus Mutinda.

"The money we used for purchasing water is now channeled to developmental projects. We are renovating the classrooms, to ensure they are conducive for the students to learn. The availability of water has also enabled us to resume our feeding program, which was on hold for a while due to inadequate water supply."

Students are no longer required to carry jerry cans of water to the school and this is a great relief to them. This was a major cause of students' absenteeism and dropouts. The school has registered better school attendance by the students as well as better academic performances in the year.

"The water we attain is very sweet and fresh for drinking. We no longer carry water to the school and the food is always prepared on time," said 15-year-old student Hellen Mwende.

The students appear lighter and brighter as they enjoy the water from the tank. Handwashing is now an adopted habit among students. The latrines are clean and have no odor, as they did before when they were not cleaned.

"As a member of the health club we have been in charge of the hygiene and sanitation facilities and we ensure they always have water," said Hellen.

"Students wash their hands after visiting the latrines and this has reduced the rates of contracting diseases such as stomachaches."