Water Allows Students to Focus on Learning!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for the students and staff of Gisambai Primary School. Since then, they have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

Before the Well Installation
"The school faced [a] water shortage. We relied on water students brought from an open source outside the school compound. The water was mostly colored as the containers used were unclean and without lids. We had no alternative, so we used the water regardless," shared teacher Hillary Savara.

"Students had to be sent to get water outside the school grounds. Sometimes, we send them during class time. They had to cross busy roads with motorbikes speeding [by] to get to the spring. At the spring, they would line [up] with community members who also were in search of water. By the time this water was collected at a central place, one could tell the water was unfit for consumption," he continued.

A student collects water from the community spring before the well was installed.

Drinking water has severe consequences. Students (and teachers alike) suffer from waterborne diseases that create health problems, keep them out of class, affect their daily lives, and decrease their time for learning.

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 school community and the student's future. By supporting this well, you made clean water an everyday reality for them, fostering hope for a brighter future.

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

Students collect clean drinking water.

"Collecting water now is very easy. To control students, we have set out stipulated times for different classes to make it easy to collect water. This has helped reduce congestion at [the] water point," said Mr. Savara.

He continued, "Students no longer have to carry water jerricans to school. We worry less about what could happen to students when they go outside the school compound, indiscipline cases have dropped, and we are having an easy time managing students. They now only focus on studies. It is easier for them to come to school and have nothing to worry them other than studying."

Students fill handwashing stations.

"My health has improved. The coughs and skin rashes caused by the contaminated water have reduced. I get to attend all my classes and give my best to my students," he said.

The Future is Looking Bright!
You made a difference for Gisambai Primary School a year ago. This is just the first chapter of their story, as access to clean water continues to improve their lives!

Mr. Savara was delighted to share, "Students from the health club have worked on a kitchen garden at the school; they grow kale, which is used to prepare meals at the school. The water has been of great significance to making this possible."

The student health club watering their garden.

At The Water Project, we value sustainability and want to ensure that people continue to thrive. We commit to monitoring this well 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.

He also shared, "The Water Project offers services of repair and maintenance for this borehole. As a school, we subscribe [to] an annual fee, and anytime there is [a] breakdown, we call The Water Project offices, and they respond in less than 48 hours."

You gave the staff and students at the school a crucial tool for achieving their dreams: access to clean water. Together, we can excitedly expect that with this precious resource, their enthusiasm and courage will help them fulfill more dreams.

Listen to the video below to hear more about how your gift of clean water access has made a significant difference.