Giving Update: Lwanda Secondary School

"The biggest changes in the school that have been happening since the tank was constructed are evident through the improved sanitation and the proper hygiene seen all over," said Senior Teacher Mr. Lawrence Ambunya, reflecting on the water projects installed at his school a year ago. He continued to share the following story with us:

"The tank has enabled the students to have clean classes, for they use this water for cleaning mostly. The level of cleanliness of the toilet has also improved  - no bad odor like initially because they are cleaned regularly. From the training that was conducted during that time, we appreciate [it] because there is some culture that was done away with. The training needed both girls and boys but in the school, there was a notion that the boys are not supposed to be involved in cleaning for that is a girl's affair. But, things changed after the [student health club] training. Now, both the girls and the boys participate in ensuring the school is clean, the drawing point of the tank is well maintained, and the boys can also wash their latrines. The girls did not have latrines but now they are enjoying the sufficient latrines constructed [for] them."

Senior Teacher Mr. Lawrence Ambunya at the rain tank's tap

"The tank again has helped very much in the agricultural sector because during the dry spell water had been preserved, which was then used for irrigation and that is why we have never lacked vegetables and food. The cattle have water through [dry season] and Napier grass is planted thus even in [the] dry spell it will still be there for we have water. Milk production has increased and all these changes have been made possible with the water project. We are very grateful as a school because of the initiative and we pray that God shall bless you in abundance."

Upon our arrival at Lwanda Secondary School on a recent visit, the clean and well-trimmed grass sparkles for the eyes and you would want to relax a bit and enjoy the green, vegetated, and soothing environment. You get to see handwashing stations and this is a clear indicator that the students wash their hands. Moving toward the toilets, you get to see clean and lockable latrines that are used by the students. You can even see some students drink around the vicinity of the latrines because it is very clean as they disinfect their latrines on a weekly basis.

All these changes came along by the water project which ensured there is a rain tank for clean, safe, and sufficient water in the school, VIP latrines for the students, handwashing stations, and the student health club training that really helped the students get knowledge and understand more about health and its promotion.

One such student is 16-year-old Renson Abung'ana, who reflected on how his experience at school has been different this last year since the WaSH projects came to his school.

Renson takes a drink from the rain tank

"My life here in school has changed since last year. When I was in Form 1, I came when we did not have enough water. We used to struggle to queue for the tapped water which at times used to not come regularly and being a [first year], we were mistreated and told to draw last. This made life difficult, especially when washing our plates after lunch and during evening time for cleaning."

"Right now I am the happiest because there is enough water and I can access [it] easily without struggle. I want to thank [you] because if it were not [for] this project in the school I could still be suffering, so [I] am very grateful you came to rescue me and many other students."

Mr. Ambunya and Renson at the rain tank