Rachael Feels Safe and Happy!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Rachael. Since then, she and the 228 students and staff of Mumbuni Primary School 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 don’t have to go far or wait in long lines anymore. The water is clean and safe, and it’s always available. It feels so good to just turn on the tap and have water right there. It has made life so much easier for me and my classmates."

Before the Rain Tank Installation

Like many girls in Southeast Kenya, 13-year-old Rachael 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 their rain tank was installed.

Drinking the water caused severe consequences. Students suffered from waterborne diseases that created health problems, affecting their daily lives. Limited accessibility also meant they wasted time collecting sufficient water to meet their needs. The difficult journey to collect water sapped their physical and emotional energy, creating roadblocks. For Rachael, in particular, it lessened her opportunity to maintain her health so she could attend school regularly.

"Fetching water before was one of the hardest things we had to do. I remember waking up very early and walking long distances with my parents to the scoop holes. We would find many people there, waiting in line for hours. Sometimes, we’d come late to school, and even then, the water was dirty and unsafe. It was exhausting and made us feel helpless," said Rachael.

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 school and Rachael’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

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!"

"My health has improved so much! I don’t get sick as often, and I feel more energetic during the day. Before, I would miss school because of stomach problems, but now I’m in class almost every day. It’s amazing what clean water can do," Rachael said.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Rachael and the rest of her 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 Rachael 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 her dreams.

"I use the extra time to study and help my friends in class. I love spending time in the school garden, taking care of the vegetables. It feels good to do something productive instead of waiting at a waterpoint for hours," Rachael said.

"I’ve been doing much better in school. I can concentrate in class because I’m not tired or worried about water. I’ve even improved in science, which is my favorite subject. I feel like I’m getting closer to my dream of becoming a doctor," she continued.

"The best thing is the freedom it gives us. We don’t have to worry about getting sick or wasting hours fetching water. Clean water means we can focus on learning and playing without fear. It makes me feel safe and happy," she concluded.

Rachael with other students in the school garden.