Shikutse Community 2

February, 2026: Shikutse Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Village elder Tom Musheni, 63, exclaimed: "It is now very easy to access water from this point because the staircases have eased access. The skilled artisans also collected water from all [the] eyes and directed it to one discharge pipe, making our containers full within a very short time. Thus, we have saved a lot of time that we used to waste in the spring while drawing water and also queuing as we waited for those who came earlier to fetch first. This saved time will be channeled to income-generating activities to increase our family income."

Tom Musheni.

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

"[I] am really grateful because I will be at school throughout the year. In the past years, I was among the people who were affected by typhoid whenever I drank water from this spring. I had no peace because this was the main source. My mum was forced to ensure that she boils water specially for drinking, otherwise things would not be okay for us as a family, and a lot of money could be spent on medication," said 13-year-old Joshua.

Joshua (right, yellow shirt) and friends at the newly protected spring!

Clean water will enhance his health and his confidence. "Having clean water back at home will help me look presentable in the sense that I will be able to clean my school uniform thrice a week, something I could not do before, and this will help me gain confidence to approach teachers in case I need some clarification in certain subjects, which will lead to good performance," Joshua added.

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 member helps haul materials for the spring protection to begin.

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.

Excavating the spring area to make way for the foundation.

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 beginning of the foundation with black plastic and chicken wire.

After establishing the base, made of thick plastic, wire, concrete, and waterproof cement, we started brickwork to build the spring walls and stairs.

Beginning the brickwork for the walls.

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, ensuring it's at just the right height!

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.

Cementing stones to help prevent erosion.

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.

Plastering the spring floors, 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.

Backfilling the spring to prevent erosion.

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.

Planting grass to prevent erosion.

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.

The spring is complete! Community members learn to take care of this source to ensure its availability for generations to come.

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Shikutse Community.

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Betty Muhongo and Stella Inganji deployed to the site to lead the event. 45 people attended the training, including 18 women and 27 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.

Soapmaking training.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee, which 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.

Facilitator Betty Muhongo described a moment that made the participants laugh: "The issue of hand washing should not be assumed at all. There are people who still need training on sanitation matters. This was realized during [the] construction period, where community members would comfortably wash their hands in a basin full of water whenever meals were brought to the site. So, when the facilitator demonstrated how hands should be washed, everyone started laughing, looking at each other. The good thing is they realized their mistake and promised not to repeat it; instead, they agreed to teach other people who did not attend the training."

Another memorable moment in the training session that community member Judith Maina wanted to share was: "Soapmaking was the most interesting topic, because at no given time had I imagined that I could make my own soap. I knew this was only possible for people with a lot of money, who are able to buy machines that can make soap. I'm very grateful for having acquired this knowledge; indeed, knowledge is power. It is my prayer that I will save some money, start a soapmaking business, and [that] my life will not remain the same."

Judith Maina.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

December, 2025: Exciting Progress in Shikutse Community!

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