September, 2021: Gimariani Primary School Project Complete!

Gimariani Primary School in Kenya now has access to a new source of safe, clean water thanks to the completion of their rain tank! We installed new latrines and handwashing stations for students, and we trained the school on improved sanitation and hygiene practices, including COVID-19 prevention. These components will unlock the opportunity for these students to live better, healthier lives.

"We all need clean, safe water for drinking. Availability of clean water from the tank will ensure that I live a healthy life, thus allowing for concentration in class. Water for use will be accessible at all times when [the] need arises directly in the school compound," said Dorcas.

Dorcas went on to share what the water tank means for her studies, "I see myself excelling in my examinations as I will have ample time for my class studies."

Clean water to drink!

Teachers were just as excited as the students about the new rain tank on campus.

Edward Mugera, the Head Teacher, commented, "Being one of the teachers in this school, I project a reduction in the cases of absenteeism by the pupils. With 100% attendance, I foresee major improvements in our academics due to a conducive learning environment."

Mr. Mugera also envisions the student's health improving with access to clean, safe water. "I foresee a reduction in cases of water-related infections due to the availability of clean, safe water directly in the school compound. Infections related to water will now be a thing of the past as our water will be fit for consumption."

Mr. Mugera with students.

How We Go From Ground to Rain Tank

Construction for this 75,000-liter rain tank was successful!

Parents, staff, and students helped our artisans gather everything needed for construction. The school's kitchen staff and a few parents helped provide meals for the artisans, while the school provided the artisans' accommodations. Locals helped our artisans with their manual labor, too.

The process officially began with our staff and school administration looking around the school compound to determine the best location for a new rain tank. This needed to be the best site with enough land and a nearby building with good, clean roofing to catch the rainwater.

Then, we cleared the site by excavating the soil to make level ground for the tank foundation. We cast the foundation by laying big stones on the level ground and reinforcing them using steel wire, concrete, and waterproof cement. We affixed both the drawing pipe and the drainage pipe as we laid the foundation.

Next, we formed the walls using a skeleton of rebar and wire mesh with sugar sacks temporarily tied to the outside as backing. We attached this to the foundation's edges so that the work team could start the Ferro-cementing process. They began layering the walls with cement, alternating with the inner and outer side until six cement layers were in place. (The sugar sacks are removed once the interior receives its first two layers of cement.)

Inside the tank, we cast one central and four support pillars to ensure the dome does not cave in once cemented. Meanwhile, we plastered the inner wall while roughcasting the outer walls. We dug and plastered the access area to the tap outside the tank, installing a short staircase. In front of the access area, we constructed a soak pit where spilled water can drain from the access area through the ground. The pit helps to keep the tap area dry and tidy.

Dome construction could begin after the tank walls settled. We attached a dome skeleton of rebar, wire mesh, and sugar sacks to the tank walls before cementing and plastering it using similar techniques as the wall construction. We included a small manhole cover into the dome to allow access for future cleanings and water treatments.

We propped long wooden poles (about 75 of them!) inside the tank to support the dome while it cured. Then it was down to the finishing touches: fitting a lockable cover over the tap area, affixing the gutters to the roof and tank, and setting an overflow pipe in place at the edge of the dome for when the tank reaches capacity.

Once finished, we gave the rain tank three to four weeks to undergo complete curing. Finally, we removed the interior support poles and dome sugar sacks and cleaned the tank.

We officially handed over the rain tank to the school. Students and staff celebrated the presence of clean water on campus. The event was an excellent chance for us to acknowledge the school administration and students as the primary parties entrusted with the tools we have given and remind them of our continued support as they develop. Happiness, thanksgiving, and appreciation were the order of the day, flowing in all directions.

VIP Latrines

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

New Knowledge

We scheduled hygiene and sanitation training with the school's staff, who ensured that the training date would be convenient for pupils and teachers. When the training day arrived, the facilitators, Elvis Afuya and Samuel Simidi deployed to the site to lead the event. Twelve students and teachers attended the training held under a tree near the main school building because it was hot.

We focused on COVID-19 prevention, transmission, and symptoms while also covering several other topics. These included personal hygiene such as bathing, oral hygiene, and the ten steps of handwashing; environmental hygiene; child rights; operation and maintenance of the rain tank, latrines, and handwashing stations; and leadership and governance. During the latter, the students elected their peers to lead their newly formed student health club.

Students taking notes.

The club will be significantly involved in the water, sanitation, and hygiene project management at school. It will encourage good health and hygiene practices amongst their peers, teachers, and the larger community.

Soapmaking demonstration.

We involved stretches, dances, and physical activities between each topic to keep the pupils' energy up and their minds active. By the end of the training, each pupil understood their role in sustaining clean water and good health within their school community.

Handwashing Stations

The two handwashing stations were set up during training and handed over to the student health club. These were placed outside of the girls' and boys' latrines to encourage handwashing after latrine use. Health club members will teach other students how to wash their hands at the stations properly, make sure the stations are filled with water, and ensure that there is always a cleaning agent such as soap or ash available.

One of the important topics covered during the training was tank operation and maintenance. Participants were able to learn the various parts of the tank for the first time, shown how to handle all the parts, and keep the tank in good working condition for the longest possible time to ensure clean water will continue flowing.

We asked student Jacklyn V. (13), chairperson of the child health club, what she thought of the training: "Today's training has been timely to us as an institution. We have been encouraged to continuously observe proper hygiene and sanitation standards so as to live a healthy life. With good hygiene practices, one is guaranteed a bright future."

Ian M. (11), treasurer of the child health club, also shared his thoughts on the training: "The session has been enriching especially in this fourth wave of the coronavirus. We have learned much on how to handle ourselves to avoid contracting the virus. As a student of this school, I promise to lead others in creating awareness on how to handle ourselves to avoid contacting, spreading the virus from one person to the other."

We asked Ian what it was like to be at home for most of the last year due to Kenya's national coronavirus-related school closures and what it has been like coming back to school.

"I love going to school, attending my lessons. The long break meant that I had to miss my classes, thus interfering with my studies. Being back to school, I feel motivated. I foresee a bright future ahead of me."

When an issue arises concerning the rain tank, the students and teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to rectify the problem and ensure the water point works appropriately. However, if the issue is beyond their capabilities, they can contact our field officers to assist them. Also, we will continue to offer them unmatchable support as a part of our ongoing monitoring and maintenance program.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

July, 2021: Gimariani Primary School Project Underway!

A severe clean water shortage at Gimariani Primary School drains students’ time, energy, and health. Thanks to your generosity, we’re working to install a clean water point and much more.

Get to know this school through the introduction and pictures we’ve posted, and read about this water, sanitation, and hygiene project. We look forward to reaching out with more good news!