Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Grace. Since then, she and the Katangini Primary School of 133 students have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!
"I am able to drink clean water anytime that I feel thirsty!"
Like many children in Southeast Kenya, 13-year-old Grace is responsible for collecting water to meet her daily water needs. Before last year's water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her.
Students hauling water before the rain tank installation.
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 Grace, in particular, it lessened her opportunity to learn.
"We had to walk long distances to carry water from home, which made us late for school and tired before classes even started. With limited water, it was hard to maintain proper hygiene. We couldn't wash our hands regularly or clean the school properly, which affected our health and learning environment. Sometimes, there was not enough water available, making it difficult for us to drink or prepare food properly," shared Grace.
Your generous gift last year was much more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement about your commitment to this community and Grace's future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.
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!"
Grace standing near the rain tank.
"I am no longer exposed to water-related infections because I am drinking clean water. I am happy I can drink water whenever I feel thirsty," Grace said.
A year ago, you made a difference for Grace and the rest of her school 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 Grace 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.
"I no longer feel tired from carrying heavy water containers or worrying about getting sick from contaminated water. This extra energy has helped me concentrate better during classes and engage more actively in discussions. With clean water available, I can wash my hands regularly and maintain better personal hygiene, reducing the risk of illness and allowing me to participate in school activities without worry. Knowing that we have access to clean water makes me feel more optimistic about my education and future. I am motivated to do my best and achieve my academic goals," Grace said.
Grace will need the time and energy she has regained to study because she hopes to become a doctor one day.
Grace, her classmates, and a teacher watering tree saplings on the school campus.