July, 2025: Mache Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"There will be no diseases. It has solved the issue of people crowding at the source, which used to make the water dirty. The cows that used to graze at the water point will no longer be an issue due to the new fence. There is drainage [to] control the stormwater. It has brought unity amongst us as a community," shared local farmer Catherine Were.

Ms. Catherine Were.

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

8-year-old Joy said, "I will be able to get water after school quickly, get my assignment done, and wash my uniforms twice a week. This will help me [be] cleaner and have [an] easier time at school and even at home."

Joy.

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 artisans 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.

Excavation begins.

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 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 pipes need 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 pipes without making contact, to prevent cross-contamination.

Setting the discharge pipes.

If we place the pipes 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.

Setting stones to prevent erosion.

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 pipes.

Plastering the spring walls and stairs.

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.

Community members planting grass.

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 Mache 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 Wesley, Amos, and Kevin deployed to the site to lead the event. 23 people attended the training.

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.

"The demonstration activities, such as dental hygiene and handwashing, presented moments of laughter when done in a funny way. The trainer described how some people brush their teeth using a stick and a jug full of water. He did a demo on how people wrestle [while] brushing their teeth. This made people laugh," shared field officer Jacky.

Handwashing lesson.

38-year-old Joseph Moiben participated in the training. He's a farmer and the chairperson of the water user committee. When we asked what he liked about the training, Joseph said he really liked the soapmaking lesson. He said, "I liked how we were involved in every process and step in making the soap. I learned the chemical names, which included ungarol, ufacid, CMC, and perfume. The names were very interesting and easier to grasp. Personally, being involved in making the soap will make me never forget how we made that soap."

Joseph Moiben.

"The skills I have gained today about soapmaking are something I can teach my children and improvise handwashing facilities. I have a responsibility of ensuring my children have access to primary health care facilities, knowledge, and skills," Joseph concluded.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

June, 2025: Exciting Progress in Mache Community!

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