Shivotio Community

December, 2025: Shivotio Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"I strongly believe now that my dream of seeing my children through with their education will come true. My aim of keeping the cows was for them to multiply so that I can sell them to generate school fees for my children. With clean water, my animals will grow [to be] healthy, and I will accomplish this. My children's dreams of becoming meaningful people in the future will come true when they get an education," said 37-year-old farmer and father Enock Keyari.

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

"I'll be able to fetch water faster than before. This will give me plenty [of] time to play with my friends and also help my parents with other home chores," shared 10-year-old Mitchelle. "I will be a relaxed learner while at school. I'll be at peace at school (which already has a borehole done by The Water Project), knowing that I'm fetching water from a well-protected spring when I'm back at home. The thought of coming to a dirty, muddy waterpoint used to make my mind wander while at school, to [the] point that I could often lose concentration in class. Now I'll be fully concentrated on my studies."

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 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 received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Shivotio 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 Lillian and Daniel deployed to the site to lead the event. 20 people attended the training, including 12 women and 8 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.

Field Officer Lillian Achieng' said, "At first, it [was] only the women who were enthusiastic about the training. They came, and we began the training. We were amazed when some elderly men of the community and some young men joined us. This made the training more interesting because some questions were well answered by men. Men proved that they also knew matters concerning domestic hygiene because when women thought they could not tell how many days [of] drinking water [should] be in a storage container, the men shocked them by answering correctly."

Forty-four-year-old Everlyne Muhati shared her experience. "The most interesting topic for me was personal hygiene, where the trainer handled the dental care subtopic. I am a victim of sensitive teeth and dental cavities. From this training, I have learned that I have been brushing my teeth at the wrong moments and also with the wrong motions. I have been rough on my gums, and I have been using the wrong toothpaste and toothbrush. From this training, I believe my teeth will no longer be sensitive, and I'll be able to take foods of all temperatures."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

November, 2025: Exciting Progress in Shivotio Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Rose and the entire Shivotio Community. Construction has begun on the spring 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 Shivotio!