Emusioma Community 3

May, 2026: Emusioma Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Emusioma 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!

"The new water point has brought light and hope to our community. The future is indeed bright. We can now access clean and safe water without straining, and this enables my children to concentrate better in class and in sporting activities. As a mother, I can now ensure that my children do not miss school because of unclean clothes or sickness caused by drinking contaminated water," shared 53-year-old farmer Peninah Buhoro.

Ms. Peninah Buhoro.

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

Micheal (in red) collects water from the spring.

"Reliable water has a great impact on me, as every activity that requires water will now run smoothly without delay. Meals will be prepared on time, [I will] help [my] parents manage their daily duties, and ensure that all [my] school assignments are complete. This will also allow me to attend school on Saturdays for revision and group discussions, while giving me more time to focus on my weaker subjects, such as mathematics, in order to improve my grades," said 13-year-old Micheal.

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 Emusioma 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 Victor Musemi, Mildred Mboha, and Patience Njeri deployed to the site to lead the event. Thirteen people attended the training, including twelve women and 1 man.

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 soapmaking session.

"Participants arrived at the training venue one by one, and after a short while, the session began. The training was highly participatory, with many questions coming from participants—a clear sign of commitment and concentration. Practical exercises were conducted, and each participant showed interest in understanding what was happening. The participants demonstrated attentiveness by taking notes and raising concerns whenever they did not understand, which reflected their eagerness to learn and actively engage in the training," reported Field Officer Victor Musemi.

Practicing proper handwashing.

Victor continued: "I feel very hopeful for this community. From the start to the end, I have witnessed great commitment and support from them. Access to clean and safe water is not only a sign of good health but also a foundation for a better future."

Ms. Bishiru.

"The training has transformed me in several aspects of hygiene standards. I am now in a better position to train other members of the community and be a great ambassador for hygiene. Before, I was ignorant about many hygiene practices, but now I am a better person with the knowledge I have gained," said training participant, 24-year-old businesswoman Valentine Bishiru.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progress in Emusioma Community, Thanks to You!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Mariam Indoshi and the entire Emusioma 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 Emusioma Community!