Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Makasi. Since then, she and the Itinda Primary School of 285 students and 15 staff have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!
"I get to drink water whenever I feel thirsty, which makes me more comfortable in class," said Makasi.
Like many in Kenya, 13-year-old Makasi is responsible for collecting water to meet daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her.
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 Makasi, in particular, it lessened her opportunity to stay healthy and attend school.
"We did not have water in our school because the municipal supply water was not enough for all of us and would run dry for several days during the drought period. Our parents had to step in and bear the burden of paying for water purchases in the school. The water was acquired from unsafe sources, and most of us would complain of stomach issues," shared Makasi.
Your generous gift last year was much more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement about your commitment to this community and Makasi’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!"
"I get to drink clean easily and we are performing regular hygiene in our school because we have enough water. I no longer get sick from water-related illnesses, and I have been coming to school every day. I no longer get sick from water-related infections because I am drinking clean water in the school," Makasi said.
The Future is Looking Bright!
A year ago, you made a difference for Makasi 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 Makasi 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.
"My studies have improved because I am always in school without getting distracted by water-related infections, and I get clean water to drink every day. I am glad to be studying in a clean environment. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher," concluded Makasi.