Giving Update: Rubona Yagilewo Community

Patrick, a primary five pupil at Bulima primary school, was asked how it was like before it was completed. He said," I would collect water only during weekends because I needed to go to the source during the day. one time, the kidnappers chased me, and I left the fetching containers at the source and ran back home."

"I could not go to the source alone. We needed to be in a group with a few older people for our safety. During those times, I was not only scared of the kidnappers but the high speeding heavily loaded sugar cane ferrying trucks which most times lost control and made accidents while others moved while pouring some of the canes on the way," he said.

"Collecting water during those times meant panic and fear the moment I grabbed a jerrycan to begin my journey to the source until I returned home because I looked at everyone I did not know as a kidnapper, and the only thought I had at that time was to run away. Some times I ran away from even harmless people," Patrick concluded.

Patrick B

With a smiling face, Patrick told our interviewer, "I am no longer scared and worrying. I collect water any time at the source alone without fear since the source is accessible and next to homes."

"In this COVID-19 season when I no longer go to school, I help my mother to collect the water, and she does not have to collect water. I also prepare supper at home every Wednesday and Sunday. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, I would remain at school for games from 4:00 pm-5:30 PM because I could still get back home and collect the water," he said.

"I have time to revise my notes at home from 7:30 pm-9:30 pm when I have my supper and retire to bed. I always go to school early since I do not collect water in the morning, and I concentrate in class because I don't worry about fetching water at home as my major household role."

Patrick and other children at the well.

He continued saying that," I can wash my uniform after every two days and shower every morning before school. I report to school when I am clean and also pack water in my bottle for drinking and washing my hands during break times, and wash my legs/feet after lunch before I go back to class for afternoon lessons."