Esther's Confidence Grows!

Last year, your gift unlocked a brighter future for Esther. Since then, she and the 252 residents of the Makuu Community have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"I like that the water is now clean and easy to get," said Esther.

Before the Spring Protection

Like many girls in Western Kenya, 10-year-old Esther 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.

People collecting water from the spring before it was protected.

Drinking water from the previous source had 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 Esther, it meant having less energy to study and enjoy being a kid.

"Before the project was built, we had difficulty getting clean water because the spring was open and muddy. We sometimes spent a long time waiting to fetch water, especially in the morning and evening when many people came to collect water. The water was not always clean, and people were worried about getting sick from drinking it. Fetching water was also tiring because the area was slippery and difficult to access, especially during rainy seasons. Sometimes I spent time helping to fetch water before or after school, which reduced the time for studying and playing," recalled Esther.

Since the Spring Protection

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

The protected spring.

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

"Fetching water now takes less time, which helps me get to school earlier and have more time for homework and playing with my friends. I also like that our families can use clean water for drinking, cooking, and washing without worrying as much about getting sick," Esther said.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Esther and 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 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 Esther a crucial tool for achieving her dreams: access to clean water. Together, we can be confident that, with this precious resource, her enthusiasm and courage will help her fulfill her dreams.

"Since the project was implemented, my health has improved because we now use cleaner and safer water at home and school. I do not get sick as often as before, and there are no stomach problems or illnesses caused by dirty water. Having clean water has also helped me stay clean and healthy through regular handwashing, eating clean foods, wearing clean clothes, and bathing every day. Because I am healthier, I am able to attend school more consistently, concentrate better in class, and participate in school activities with my friends," said Esther.

"My dream for the future is to work hard in school and become successful so that I can help my family and community. I would like to continue my education and, one day, have a good career that will allow me to support others and improve people’s lives," exclaimed Esther.

"Having access to clean and reliable water has helped me focus more on my studies because I spend less time fetching water, and I stay healthier. This gives me hope and confidence that I can achieve my goals in the future," Esther said.