Lukume Primary School

September, 2025: Lukume Primary School Well Complete!

Your contribution has given access to clean water for the Lukume Primary School in Kenya, thanks to the completion of their borehole well! Clean flowing water is already making a difference in the lives of the students and staff. This will provide them with a reliable water source for their daily needs.

We installed new latrines and handwashing stations, then trained students and staff on improved sanitation and hygiene practices. Together, these components will unlock the opportunity for these students to thrive!

"The new waterpoint will help rekindle the broken bonds between some parents and teachers. This is because some parents felt that teachers were frustrating their children by sending them to fetch water outside the school compound, forcing them to walk long distances across bushy and dangerous areas. Additionally, it will save teachers time, as they will no longer need to accompany pupils when fetching water," 15-year-old Bratoline remarked, whom we interviewed at the start of the project.

Bratoline.

"Pursuing an engineering course at the university requires a strong dedication to my studies, starting from primary school. A reliable water supply will be invaluable, as it will allow me to focus more on studying and engaging in constructive activities. With a dependable water source, teachers will also have ample time to plan their lessons and complete the syllabus, creating an opportunity for better understanding and, ultimately, improved grades," he continued.

Teachers were just as excited as the students about the new well on campus!

"Water is the most important resource in a school setting. Without water, meals for teachers and students cannot be prepared, and without meals, teachers lack the energy to teach, while pupils struggle to grasp what they are being taught in class. With a reliable water source in the school, meals will be prepared on time, and teachers and pupils will have access to drinking water, enabling them to perform their respective responsibilities effectively. This will lead to improved academic performance, which can open up better opportunities for the pupils. Furthermore, improved school performance attracts new admissions," Teacher Josephine Khangatsi wisely shared.

Teacher Josephine Khangatsi.

How We Got the Water Flowing

The first step was to conduct a hydrogeological survey to determine the the best site for the school's well. Once we found the perfect spot, the team obtained approval from the government to begin drilling.

Parents, staff, and students all contributed to this well’s success, right from the start. To prepare for the well, the school collected fine sand and water for cement-making. When everything was ready, our drill team and staff arrived at the school to begin work.

Students look on as drilling is about to begin!

Drilling started with excitement in the air. We continued drilling to reach a final depth of 80 meters with a final static water level of 71.68 meters.

The drilling process can take up to three consecutive days to complete due to this region’s hard bedrock, so the team set up a camp where they could rest and refuel. The school’s kitchen staff and parents helped provide meals for the team, while the school provided a safe place for the artisans’ accommodations and materials.

Once we reached the optimum depth, the team inserted permanent casing, then bailed out the dirty water at the bottom of the well. The workers installed pipes, flushed them, tested the well’s yield, and chlorinated the water.

Flushing the newly drilled well.

We constructed a cement well pad to seal it off from any ground-level contaminants. Tiles were installed beneath the spout to protect the cement from the erosive force of the water. We included a short drainage channel and a soak pit to prevent standing water.

Constructing the well pad.

When the well pad was cured, we installed a new stainless steel hand pump and sampled the water for a quality test. The results showed this water was safe for drinking!

We officially gave ownership of the new borehole to the school’s students and teachers.

Students and staff celebrated the presence of clean water on campus. The event was an excellent chance to acknowledge the school administration and students, and remind them of our continued support. Happiness, thanksgiving, and appreciation were the order of the day, flowing in all directions.

VIP Latrines

Students jumping for joy in front of their new latrines!

This project funded the installation of six new ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines. These new latrines have cement floors designed to be easy to use and clean. They have locking doors for safety and privacy, as well as vents to keep air flowing out through the roof. With a well right on school property, there should be enough water to keep them clean.

Handwashing Stations

Students wash their hands at the new station.

We set up two handwashing stations outside the latrines. Student Health Club members will teach other students how to wash their hands at the stations properly, fill the stations with water, and ensure that soap is always available.

School Education

We scheduled hygiene and sanitation training with the school’s staff. When the training day arrived, facilitators Christine, Rose, Daisy, and Mildred deployed to the site to lead the event. 30 students attended the training.

We emphasized personal, menstrual, oral, and environmental hygiene. Proper water handling, soap-making, the ten steps of handwashing, and the importance of primary health care were discussed. We covered disease prevention, teen pregnancy, and child rights. Waterpoint, latrine, handwashing station operation and maintenance, leadership, and governance were discussed. By the end of the training, each pupil understood their role in sustaining clean water and good health within their school community.

The students elected peers to lead their newly formed student health club. The student health club members will encourage good health and hygiene practices amongst their peers, teachers, and the larger community.

"The pupils were happiest during the demonstration and practical [tooth] brushing session. The two-minute brushing challenge was a highlight, transforming learning into a fun competition. Pupils eagerly raced to brush every area properly within the recommended time, laughing and cheering each other on. The structured yet playful approach kept them fully engaged while reinforcing good brushing habits," reflected facilitator Mildred.

Training continues.

"The participants' commitment and enthusiasm were top-notch. This was evident during the training sessions, as each participant actively asked questions to enhance their understanding. At the end of the training, they requested the trainers to visit and train them again," Mildred continued.

Fourteen-year-old Mary is a student and the secretary of the Child Health Club. She participated in the training and gained new knowledge that will improve her health and that of her family.

Mary participates in the training.

"Back home, my parents and I are used to drinking untreated water, which often leads to health complications and high medical expenses for treating waterborne diseases. The water hygiene session will be a turning point for my family and me. I will ensure that I treat water using the methods learned during the training and regularly empty and clean our water pot every three days to ensure we consume clean, safe water. The training reminded me of the saying, knowledge is power," Mary emphasized.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

July, 2025: Exciting Progress at Lukume Primary School!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Bratoline and the entire Lukume Primary School. Construction has begun on the well 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 at Lukume Primary School!