Shieywe Community 2

January, 2025: Shieywe Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Rhoda collecting clean water.

"As a woman, the newly protected spring will solve several challenges that directly impact my daily life and well-being. These include: Access to clean, and safe water will significantly reduce waterborne illnesses like diarrhea and typhoid. This will give me [the] peace of mind knowing that my family is healthy. I will also spend less on medical expenses that arise from waterborne and water-related illnesses. I will save time and energy that was lost through queueing and scooping water. This saved time will be better spent on other tasks, such as taking care of my family and attending to farm work," shared 56-year-old farmer and newly appointed chairperson of the water user committee Rhoda Alwanda.

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

George collecting clean water.

"Reliable, safe, and clean water source means I will be healthier and well hydrated. I will no longer get tired nor suffer from the effects of dehydration or poor health. This will improve my concentration during lessons, helping me understand the taught subjects better," said 13-year-old George.

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.

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 got the okay from their local field officers to fetch water.

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

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 Christine Masinde and Victor Musemi deployed to the site to lead the event. 17 people attended the training, including 13 women and 4 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.

During the water handling and treatment session, a facilitator explained how water can still be contaminated while people are fetching it if the proper protocols are not followed, leading to waterborne illnesses.

"This led to a broader conversation about the toll these diseases take on families. One of the participants shared her past experience about how her children had suffered from typhoid frequently due to [the] consumption of water from the unprotected spring. The facilitator explained simple preventive measures, such as washing hands with soap before fetching water, using clean containers to fetch water, and keeping the area around the water point clean. The facilitator reinforced the message that clean water from the newly protected spring needs to be kept safe all the way from the source to the household and urged them to treat drinking water using chlorine and other water treatment methods like boiling and solar disinfection of water," shared Field Officer Christine Masinde.

Community members practicing proper handwashing techniques during training.

"The most interesting topic was handwashing. It seems like such a simple thing, but I never realized how important it is to do it properly. What made it more interesting was when 'Mwalimu' (facilitator) explained how germs can stay on our hands even when they look clean, especially after using the toilet or handling food. It was surprising to learn that a small thing like proper handwashing can help prevent diseases like diarrhea and stomachache, which I did not think much about before. I will now make sure that I use the right technique to wash my hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds and remind my family members to do the same," said Rhoda, quoted earlier.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

November, 2024: Shieywe Community Spring Protection Underway!

The lack of adequate water in Shieywe 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!