Katelyn Believes Her Dreams are Possible!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Katelyn. Since then, she and the Kapsoi Primary School of 407 students have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"What I like about fetching water here now is that it’s so easy and close."

Before the Well Installation

Like many children in Kenya, 13-year-old Katelyn is responsible for collecting water to meet daily water needs. This task stole her time before last year's water intervention and negatively affected her.

Students walk to collect water before the well was installed on their school campus.

Drinking the water 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. For Katelyn, it lessened her opportunity to have the time and energy to stay in class.

"Before the borehole was built at our school, getting clean water was a big problem for us. We used to fetch water from a stream very far from school. Sometimes, we had to walk for almost thirty minutes just to get there and then carry the heavy containers back. Because we didn't have water nearby, we also had trouble keeping the toilets clean. The girls' washroom, especially, was very hard to use during our monthly periods. Some girls even stayed at home because they didn't feel safe or comfortable coming to school," shared Katelyn.

Since the Well Installation

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

Students collect water from the well.

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!"

"The borehole is right inside our school, so we don't have to walk long distances anymore. I don't get as tired and can carry water without struggling. The water is clean and fresh, and I feel safe drinking it. I like that we can fetch water quickly during break time or lunch, and still have time to play with our friends," said Katelyn.

"Because we have water nearby, our school is cleaner. The toilets are washed, and we can wash our hands properly. It makes me feel happy and proud that our school has its own borehole. I feel like we are cared for."

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Katelyn and the rest of her 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 the system hardware, track water availability, conduct sanitary inspections, and collect water quality samples to identify risks. We work with our team on the ground to resolve them.

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

"Since the borehole was built, my health has really improved. Before, I used to get stomachaches a lot because the water we drank wasn't clean. Sometimes, I even had to stay home from school because of diarrhea or feeling weak. But now, with clean water from the borehole, I hardly ever get sick. I feel stronger and more active in class and during games," said Katelyn.

"The best thing about living with clean water is that life feels easier and happier. I don't have to worry about getting sick or missing school because of dirty water. I can drink water anytime I'm thirsty without fear. Our school looks better, smells better, and we stay healthier. Even the girls feel more comfortable during their periods because we have enough water to stay clean. Clean water has made our school feel like a safe and good place to learn."

"It has changed my life in a big way, and I’m really grateful!"

"My dream for the future is to become a nurse. I want to help people in my community, especially children, stay healthy and strong. I've seen how clean water has made a big difference in my life and our school, and I want to be someone who brings more good changes like that. I dream of finishing school with good grades, going to college, and making my parents proud. I want to support my family one day and teach other girls that they can achieve their dreams too, no matter where they come from."

"Clean water has helped me stay in school and given me hope. Now I believe my dreams are possible."

Katelyn and a friend enjoy a drink of water.