Jamestina isn't Missing Events Anymore!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Jamestina. Since then, she and the 666 students and staff of St. Augustine Jr. Secondary School have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"I feel happy and I like fetching water here because I have access to safe drinking water, and it is on the school grounds. I fetch water easily," Jamestina shared. 

Before the Well's Rehabilitation

We interviewed 14-year-old Jamestina at the beginning of this water project. At that time she shared that she struggled to have enough water to drink throughout the day and would often wait to use the bathroom until she went home because it was so unsanitary without water to clean the school latrines or wash her hands. She had to travel to an offsite well to bring water to school, a time-consuming and tiring task. Unclean conditions and thirst didn't provide a learning environment that inspired growth.

The water crisis affected everyone at the school; students and staff alike. The difficult journey to collect water sapped their physical and emotional energy, creating roadblocks to a well-rounded education. Jamestina struggled to maintain good hygiene and was often absent from classes or her devotions. This hindered her ability to prioritize her academics and affected her faith.

"It was difficult to fetch water before the completion of this well. This source [was] dry and I usually walked long distances to access water. To carry a rubber bucket on my head, [while] walking [a] long distance is not easy. Sometimes, I spent [so] much time at the water source, [it] caused me to miss out [on] devotion or lessons. To practice good hygiene [was] not easy; especially, to use the restroom," she said.

Jamestina's previous water source - a distant well.

Since the Well's Rehabilitation

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

Jamestina at the well.

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

"A life without clean water always gets poor health. I am proud to live with clean water, and it contributes to my health. I always wash my hands with clean water and soap. I am able to practice good hygiene. I also have sufficient, safe, and pure drinking water," Jamestina continued.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Jamestina 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 Jamestina 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 this waterpoint has been installed, I [do] not miss out [on] lessons or devotion. I [now] have complete notes and read these notes to get good grades," concluded Jamestina.

Jamestina and a classmate easily collect clean water.