Giving Update: Shitaho Primary School

Since the construction of their rain tank last year, the time and energy previously spent on fetching water from the river 500 meters away are now being invested in learning at Shitaho Primary School.

This has attributed to improved academic performance due to pupils' increased attentiveness in class. The students can study in a clean and healthy environment because the hygiene education that was conducted in the school has reduced the spread of germs. The pupils now wash their hands at all critical times and body odor is an issue of the past because the pupils brush their teeth and bathe at least once a day. The school has friendly staff and the students interact freely with the teachers. This is notable because it is a rare environment to find in most public schools in the area.

Teacher Mr. David Mang'weli shared his perspective on how these WaSH projects have impacted his school over the last year.

"Since the project was implemented in the school, the learners are now enjoying their time in school. Their classrooms and toilets are cleaner due to [the] availability of water for cleaning. We have noticed an improvement in their hygiene because of the handwashing containers that were supplied in the school. The latrines have reduced time wastage and congestion during break time."

Mr. David Mang'weli at the rain tank

One of those students is 12-year-old Prudence Andayi, who was happy to chat with us and echoed her teacher's thoughts on the project.

"Since the tank was constructed, we have water to fill up our LifeStraw containers for drinking," Prudence said.

"The water also helps us to clean the classrooms and toilets on a daily basis."

Students and Mr. Mang'weli at the rain tank