August, 2025: Fubuye Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Jane Kulova, a local farmer, said, "Access to water from this new water spring will greatly help me and my children in working towards future hopes and dreams. For me, personally, it will reduce the time I spend fetching water, allowing me to focus more on my work, i.e, farming or other income-generating activities, hence improving my family's financial stability. This means I can better provide for my children and support their education. For my children, having easy access to clean water will ensure they stay healthy, preventing illnesses that could keep them out of school. They’ll have more time to focus on their studies rather than spending hours fetching water, hence increasing their chances of excelling academically and achieving their own dreams."

Ms. Jane Kulova in the spring.

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

"Reliable water from this new spring will definitely improve things for me. First, it will help keep me healthy by providing clean water, which means fewer chances of getting sick from waterborne diseases. When I am healthy, I can go to school and focus on my studies without missing days because of illness. Additionally, with easy access to water, I won’t have to spend hours fetching it, which will give me more time to study and do my homework. I can also help with other tasks at home, like assisting my mother with farming, helping my siblings, or even playing with my friends. Overall, having this new water spring will make life easier for me," 10-year-old Naomi shared with us.

Naomi.

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.

Community members gathering materials.

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.

Excavating the spring area.

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.

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.

Plastering the spring walls.

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.

Backfilling the spring box.

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 member planting grass around the spring area to prevent ground 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.

Community children celebrate clean water!

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Fubuye 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 Joel Shitindo and Victor Musemi, as well as community health worker Abigail Muheli, deployed to the site to lead the event. Twenty people attended the training.

Training group photo.

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.

Soapmaking training.

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.

Ms. Kulova participates in training.

Ms. Kulova, previously quoted, said, "The hygiene training has greatly impacted my thoughts on hygiene practices within our community. It has made me more aware of the importance of proper handwashing, especially now that we have access to clean water. I’ve learned the correct techniques for handwashing, and I’ve realized how small habits can make a big difference in preventing illness. For my children and the students in the community, the training has highlighted the significance of good hygiene in keeping them healthy and in school. It has encouraged them to take personal responsibility for their cleanliness, and they are more likely to share these practices with others. Generally, the training has motivated our entire community to adopt better hygiene habits, not just because of the new water source, but because we understand how crucial it is to maintain cleanliness for our health and well-being. It’s a positive shift that will lead to fewer diseases and a more hygienic environment for everyone."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

July, 2025: Exciting Progress in Fubuye Community!

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