Giving Update: Shitoli Secondary School

Initially, students at Shitoli Secondary School used to fetch water from a nearby river outside the school compound. The water was not clean so students used to complain about waterborne illnesses such as typhoid and stomachaches. Another problem was that the river is located downhill from the school, so it was difficult to climb up the hill with water. This would make the students tired and wasted a lot of their time. By the time students got back to school they were tired and in the long run this affected their academic performance.

Today, Shitoli Secondary tells a different story. Ever since the implementation of their rain tank last year, the cases of waterborne illnesses have stopped. Right now, students and staff are able to get clean and safe water at their convenience. The tank has never gone dry since the area receives a high amount of rainfall, so there is always enough water.

Sanitation Teacher Mrs. Josephine Chiteyi shared how the abundance of water has impacted her school for the better. The biggest challenge they face now? Some of the students do their cleaning chores too quickly because they can use as much water as they like. They also require a lot of patience when cleaning the tank, since this requires draining it and the abundant rainfall means it is always full.

Student Barbra Muhonja and Sanitation Teacher Mrs. Josephine Chiteyi at the rain tank

"We are now very comfortable, we have plenty of water since one doesn't need a lot of time to go and fetch water outside the school compound like before," said 16-year-old student Barbra Muhonja.

Barbra at the rain tank with running water

"We are able to bathe after participating in games, [and] especially for us girls the water really helps us [since] sanitation is key. Our health is also good. Initially, we used to suffer from waterborne diseases like typhoid but now we get clean, treated safe water. I am happy because I came to this school when the project was not yet in place, I am happy because I am sure for the 2 remaining years I am sure of clean water, hence I will be able to concentrate on my studies."

Barbra takes a drink from the rain tank