Ikoko Community

November, 2026: Ikoko Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Ikoko Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser is installed to provide added protection, and we trained the community on improved sanitation and hygiene practices. Together, these components will unlock the opportunity for community members to thrive!

Norah fetching water.

"This water point makes a big difference for my family. My children now have clean, safe water to drink. They will no longer suffer from stomach illnesses or miss school days due to waterborne diseases. This means they can attend classes every day and focus on learning," said 52-year-old Norah Omido. "I will have enough time to run my business at the market and the profits I get will be able to provide for and take good care of my family."

Children were just as excited as adults about clean water access!

Ressian.

"My learning in school will be positively impacted because I will not have any worries about water. This will help me to settle in class and concentrate on my studies for a better academic future," celebrated 16-year-old Ressian.

Preparing for Spring Protection

Community members worked together to source all locally available construction materials for the spring. These included bricks, sand, stones, and fencing poles. Because people have to carry most items by hand, the material-collection process can take anywhere from a few weeks to months.

When the community was ready, we delivered the remaining construction materials, including cement, plastic tarps, and hardware. Then our construction artisan and field officers deployed to the spring to begin work.

Protecting the Spring: A Step-by-Step Process

First, we excavated the spring area. This includes digging a drainage channel below the spring and several runoff diversion channels above and around the spring to help divert surface contaminants away.

To ensure community members could still access water throughout the construction process, we also dug temporary channels around the construction site to allow water to continue to flow. Excavation created space for setting the spring's foundation.

After establishing the base, made of thick plastic, wire, concrete and waterproof cement, we started brickwork to build the spring walls and stairs. Once the walls were tall enough, we began one of the most crucial steps: setting the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe needs to be positioned low enough so the water level never rises above the spring's eye, yet high enough to allow room for the average collection container (20-liters) to sit beneath the pipe without making contact, to prevent cross-contamination.

If we place the pipe too high, back pressure could force water to emerge elsewhere. Too low, and community members would not be able to access the water easily.

In coordination with the walls and stairs, we cemented stones on both sides of the spring's drainage channel. These stones discourage people and animals from standing in that area, which could cause soil erosion and a clogged drainage area.

We then cemented and plastered the spring walls. These finishing layers reinforce the brickwork and prevent water in the reservoir from seeping through. In turn, enough pressure builds to push water out through the discharge pipe.

As the walls cured, we finished the stairs and installed tiles beneath the discharge pipe. The tiles protect the concrete from the falling water's erosive force.

We redirected the temporary diversion channels back into the reservoir box and closed all other exits to force water through only the discharge pipe. We filled the reservoir area with the large, clean stones arranging them in layers like a well-fitting puzzle. We covered the rocks with thick plastic and piled enough dirt on top to compensate for future settling.

Community members transplanted grass to help prevent erosion and the collection area was fenced. The fence prevents people or animals from walking in the area above the spring, as compaction of this area can potentially compromise water quality.

The construction process took about two weeks of work and patience. As soon as the spring was ready, people received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Ikoko Community. Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Rose and Samuel deployed to the site to lead the event. 20 people attended the training, including 10 women and 10 men.

We discussed personal, oral, and environmental hygiene, emphasizing proper water handling, soap-making, and the ten steps of handwashing. We also highlighted the importance of primary health care and covered the operation and maintenance of the water point, as well as leadership and governance. By the end of the training, each participant had a clear understanding of their role in maintaining clean water and promoting good health within their community.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee, which will oversee the maintenance of the spring. We brainstormed income-generating activities and encouraged them to start a group savings account for future minor repairs to the spring.

"The topic that prompted the most discussion was income-generating activities. The trainer shared how it is possible to do farming without the need for a big parcel of land. The innovative ways of growing vegetables in old water jerricans, banana trunks, or empty cement bags caught the attention of the participants, and they really wanted to learn more," said Field Officer Rose Serete.

Sixteen-year-old Praise shared her view about the training. "The knowledge acquired during the training will help me improve my hygiene standards. Soap making and the ten steps of hand washing will help me a great deal in achieving this. I believe I can be a hygiene and sanitation ambassador in my community and neighborhood."

Praise.

"In my view, the training was handled in a way that made it easy for everyone to understand. I felt that the trainers were well prepared and took their time with the presentations, as well as attending to all questions posed to them," Praise continued.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

September, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Ikoko Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Ressian and the entire Ikoko Community. Construction has begun on the spring protection project, bringing them one step closer to having clean, reliable water.

But that's not all—during construction, we’re also providing vital health training. These sessions equip the community with essential hygiene practices, ensuring that the benefits of clean water extend to lasting health improvements.

We’re so grateful for your role in making this possible. Stay tuned for more updates—soon, we’ll be celebrating the arrival of safe water in the Ikoko Community!