Alvin Hopes to Be a Teacher

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Alvin. Since then, he and the Isanjiro Community of 210 residents have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"Clean water enables me to have good health. It is important for cooking, washing, and bathing, so without water, life is boring," declared Alvin.

Before the Spring Protection

Like many young people in Western Kenya, 17-year-old Alvin is responsible for collecting water to meet his daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole his time and negatively affected him.

The previous water source.

Drinking the water from the previous water source caused severe consequences. Many in the community suffered from waterborne diseases that created health problems, affecting their daily lives. Limited accessibility also meant people wasted time collecting sufficient water to meet their needs. The difficult journey to collect water sapped their physical and emotional energy, creating roadblocks. Alvin struggled to collect clean water and complete his daily tasks.

"Accessing the spring was the biggest challenge. It was dangerous as one could fall inside. The spring was open and contaminated with different wastes; animal waste, [and] surface runoff, among others. The watering can used to water vegetables around the spring [had to be] immersed deeply to get water. I remember some of these cans were very dirty, contaminated with soil and other agricultural chemicals," recalled Alvin.

Since the Spring Protection

Your generous gift last year was much more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement about your commitment to this community and Alvin’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Alvin (right) at the spring with friends.

Reliable and clean water lays the groundwork for improved health, education, and economic possibilities, allowing people to thrive. We frequently hear from those we interview that "water is life!"

"I no longer worry because it is very safe and clean!" said Alvin.

When we asked him what he uses his time doing now that he doesn't have to waste so much time collecting water, he said, "Mostly helping my family with other house duties, cleaning the compound, and tending to animals."

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Alvine and his community. This is just the first chapter of their story as access to clean water continues to improve their lives!

At The Water Project, we value sustainability and want to ensure that people continue to thrive. We commit to monitoring this project to ensure the water is always flowing and safe to consume. We inspect system hardware, monitor water availability, conduct sanitary inspections, and collect water-quality samples to identify risks. We work with our on-the-ground team to resolve them.

You gave Alvin a crucial tool for achieving his dreams: access to clean water. Together, we can excitedly expect that with this precious resource, his enthusiasm and courage will help him fulfill his dreams.

We asked Alvin what his dreams are for the future. He said, "Become a teacher like my uncle. I value education, and I wish to be inside the system while helping the community and serving the nation."

With continued access to clean water, Alvin is likely to make his dreams come true.

Alvin at the protected spring.