Shikose Community

November, 2024: Shikose Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser was 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!

"Implementation of this water point has restored hope for me and the entire community. It will now take less time to fetch water. This will, in turn, help me concentrate on income-generating activities such as farming, hence improving my living standards. My grandchildren will benefit immensely from this new water point because they can now collect water faster than before. They will have more time for studies, hence have the chance to improve on their performance in school. They will also be healthier than ever since there's no danger of contracting waterborne illnesses anymore," local farmer Musa Luvare, 55, shared.

Mr. Musa Luvare.

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

13-year-old Mirriam said, "It's a great joy to have access to safe, clean water throughout the year. I will spend the shortest time possible fetching water, and the rest of the time can be utilized in learning or completing school assignments, which will result in a good performance. With this reliable water source, I'll be able to put on [a] clean uniform every day, and that will boost my morale and confidence."

Mirriam.

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 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.

Excavating the spring.

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.

Laying the foundation of the spring.

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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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.

Cementing stones.

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.

Plastering the walls.

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.

Layering stones to backfill the reservoir.

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.

Community children planting grass to prevent erosion.

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

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Shikose Community.

The spring is complete!

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Jonathan Mutai and Nelly Chebet deployed to the site to lead the event. 21 people attended the training, including 14 women and 7 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 who 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.

"Handwashing triggered quite a discussion because participants had different, albeit wrong, ways of doing it. Several attendees demonstrated how to wash [their] hands, although they were all getting it wrong. When the facilitator showed them the correct way, some women decided to compose a song to make it easy for everyone to follow the steps. After that, every step flowed quickly, and all participants were able to understand better," said facilitator Nelly Chebet.

Handwash training.

"This training was well timed and an eye opener. I learned that good hygiene practices are crucial in living a healthy life. I can now comfortably educate those who missed the training to help them abandon bad habits that have a negative impact on their lives," Mr. Luvare shared.

Mr. Luvare.

"I'm very hopeful for this community. They believe in unity [and] have good leadership, and they promised to ensure proper management of their new water point to make it last longer for the benefit of future generations," Ms. Chebet concluded.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

October, 2024: Shikose Community Spring Protection Underway!

The lack of adequate water in Shikose Community costs people time, energy, and health every single day. Clean water scarcity contributes to community instability and diminishes individuals’ personal progress.

But thanks to your recent generosity, things will soon improve here. We are now working to install a reliable water point and improve hygiene standards. We look forward to sharing inspiring news in the near future!