Clean Water Enables Learning!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Gladys. Since then, she and the Mumbuni Secondary School of 149 students have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"What I love most is that we no longer have to struggle for water. The tank provides clean, safe water right here at the school. It’s readily available whenever we need it, whether for drinking, cleaning, or cooking. This convenience has made a big difference in our lives."

Before the Rain Tank Installation

Like many teachers in Southeast Kenya, Gladys Kilonzo was responsible for supervising her student's collection of water to meet the school's daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her and her students.

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 Gladys, in particular, it lessened her opportunity to complete her daily teaching tasks.

"Before the rainwater tank was installed, water shortages created major disruptions in our daily routines. Students often had to wait for water to be supplied before resuming after-lunch classes or games, delaying programs and wasting valuable learning time. Meal preparation was also frequently delayed, especially during drought seasons, as the water sources we relied on were seasonal. Parents were sometimes required to bring water to school at a cost of Ksh 20 per jerrycan. Unfortunately, the water came from contaminated scoop holes, which exposed students to diseases like typhoid, amoeba, and dysentery," said 34-year-old teacher Gladys Kilonzo.

"Fetching water before the project was stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. We had to rely on seasonal sources, and when they dried up, we turned to contaminated scoop holes or depended on parents to bring water to school. This was not only inconvenient but a constant source of worry for us as teachers because of the health risks to the students," she continued.

Since the Rain Tank 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 Gladys' future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Students collect water from the rain tank.

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 best thing is the peace of mind that comes with knowing the water is safe and always available. We no longer worry about students getting sick from contaminated water or running out of water during critical times. Clean water has improved the overall environment, making the school healthier and more conducive to learning," said Ms. Kilonzo.

"The students’ lives have improved tremendously. They now have enough clean water for drinking, washing, and cleaning. They no longer have to bear with thirst or delayed meals due to water insufficiency, which means they can focus fully on their studies. The reduction in waterborne illnesses has resulted in better student retention and performance in class. They’ve been able to participate in new activities like farming and tree planting, which are both educational and enjoyable," she exclaimed.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Gladys and the rest of Mumbani Secondary School. 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 Gladys 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.

"As teachers, we no longer spend time organizing water supply solutions during shortages. This allows us to focus entirely on teaching. With water readily available, the school is cleaner, and the students are healthier and more attentive. The improved environment has made teaching much more rewarding and less stressful," shared Gladys.

Students in the school gardens.

"The school has made significant progress. We’ve set up a small farm where we grow pearl millet. This has been an excellent learning opportunity for the students and supplements their diet. Additionally, with the reduced water expenses, we’ve been able to channel funds toward learning materials and other important school resources, further improving the quality of education," she concluded.