Vaunami Community

April, 2026: Vaunami Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Nancy Kavetsa, 50, said, "My children will not get sick [as] frequently [as] they used to before, due to dirty water consumption. This will be a great opportunity for them to focus and work on making their future dreams come true."

"Since fetching water now does not take long, I will be in a position to supply clean and safe water to a nearby hotel with a fee, every day for cooking, washing utensils, and drinking, which in turn will be a source of income to my household," Nancy continued.

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

Faith.

"Reliable water will help me balance my daily life activities like doing homework on time, revising for my exams, helping my parents with house chores, and creating time for rest. My parents will be able to clear my school fees on time, because the money they have been using regularly for [the] treatment of waterborne diseases will be used to clear my school fee arrears and carry forward the balance to next term. Also, my parents' work has been made easier because fetching water now does not take as long as before," shared Faith, 12.

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 help collect building materials.

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.

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.

Building the spring walls.

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.

Placing the discharge pipe.

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.

Building walls to create a channel for the water to flow out of the spring.

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.

Placing tiles to prevent erosion from the falling water.

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 transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Vaunami 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 Gladys, Mutuku, and Nelly deployed to the site to lead the event. 20 people attended the training, including 15 women and five 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, 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.

Learning how to care for the spring.

"Dental hygiene was the most interesting topic to me because I learned how and when to brush my teeth. The best toothpaste and quantity to use was also an added advantage. Personally, I have not been taking dental hygiene seriously, in that I normally buy cheap toothpaste in the market, which is exposed to sunlight, which has brought negative impacts on my teeth without my knowledge. Now I know what is best," reported 75-year-old participant Fridah Khasoa.

Ms. Fridah Khasoa.

"This training has enabled me and my community members [to] acquire knowledge and skills on best hygienic practices. This will go a long way in improving hygiene standards in my community," Fridah concluded.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progress in Vaunami Community!

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