"Everything at school feels safer and better!"

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Hildah. Since then, she and the students and teachers at St. Gerald Sasala Primary School have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"I like that now we get clean water right here at school, where we do not have to walk far or carry heavy jerrycans from home. It’s easier to wash our hands, clean our classrooms, and use the toilets without any problem. I feel happy because the school is cleaner and we don’t get sick like before," said Hildah.

"Everything is better with water nearby!"

Before the Well Installation

Like many students in Western Kenya, 13-year-old Hildah was responsible for collecting water to meet daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her.

Students collected water in the community before the well was installed.

Drinking the water caused severe consequences. Many in the school suffered from waterborne diseases that created health problems, affecting their daily lives. Limited accessibility also meant that students and teachers wasted time collecting water rather than learning. For Hildah, it lessened her opportunity to focus on school.

"Last year, it was really hard for us because there was no water at school. We used to carry water from home in bottles or small jerrycans, and sometimes we would forget, or the water wouldn't be enough. Our teachers would also send us to fetch water from [a] far away community spring, where we would end up missing lessons. It was also hard to wash our hands or clean the toilets, and sometimes the toilets would smell bad," recalled Hildah.

"Before the project, getting water was very hard and tiring. Sometimes, we had to walk a long distance to a spring outside the school, and we would find many people already there, so we [would] wait for a long time. It used to make school life very difficult and uncomfortable," she continued.

Since the Well 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 Hildah’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Hildah (right) and her classmates are pleased to have accessible water at their school, making life much easier.

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 about living with clean water is that I can drink water at school without worrying, and we can wash our hands anytime. Our toilets are cleaner, and we can stay fresh even after playing. I like that our food is cooked with clean water, and everything at school feels safer and better," Hildah declared.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Hildah and 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 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 her 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 her fulfill her dreams.

"Since the water point was installed, I’ve been doing better in my studies. Before, we used to miss lessons when we were sent to fetch water, but now, we stay in class and learn more because water is close and clean. I feel more focused and comfortable in school, even our teachers teach without interruption, and we have enough time to revise. I use my time to study more and finish my homework," said Hildah.

"I get more time to play with my friends during break and help clean the classroom. It makes school more fun and less tiring," she celebrated.

"My dream is to become a doctor so I can help sick people in my community. I want to study hard and finish school so I can go to university. Having clean water at school helps me stay healthy and focus on my studies. I believe that if I continue working hard and stay in school, I can achieve my dream and make my family proud," Hildah imagined.

Hildah is not the only one benefiting from accessible water. The school now has a garden that students maintain, providing them with nutritious meals throughout the day.

Students water the school garden.