Giving Update: Kwirenyi Secondary School

Since the construction of the rain tank at Kwirenyi Secondary School last year, students and staff can now have access to safe and clean water right in their school compound. They no longer suffer from water- and hygiene-related diseases and they now spend more time in class which has led to improved performance in their studies.

The VIP latrines that were implemented here have also helped to relieve some of the congestion in line for the few latrines that were already constructed. Students are also able to wash their hands at the handwashing stations after using the latrines.

Each student and staff member we spoke with on our most recent visit was grateful for the water project. The facilities are well-maintained and they have even installed a lockable tap at the tank's drawing point to ration water use. The school compound is generally clean, which is an implication that they have put into practice what they were taught during the health club training.

Mr. Daniel Muchesia with Field Officer Christine Masinde at the rain tank; student Nicorine Shitamu looks on

"Before the implementation of the project in our school, some parents made it clear to us that they could not admit their children in our school because it lacked safe water and proper sanitation facilities," said Deputy Principal Mr. Daniel Muchesia.

"But, since that problem was solved by [your team], the number of students has grown from 437 to more than 500 students. The performance of the students has also improved because they spend more time in class and indiscipline cases have decreased since students [can no longer goof off while going] to the river to fetch water."

Nicorine Shitamu

One such student at Kwirenyi Secondary School is 16-year-old Nicorine Shitamu, who shared how these water projects have impacted her experience at school.

Field Officer Christine with Nicorine

"Availability of safe and clean water, VIP latrines, and handwashing stations have improved our hygiene standards in the school which has reflected positively in our performance since we hardly get sick and we also spend enough time in class."

Mr. Muchesia with students at the rain tank