Shiveye Community

September, 2026: Shiveye Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Community members celebrate clean water!

"The new water point means I no longer worry about waterborne illnesses. With clean water from the new source, my children will have fewer waterborne illnesses. The time I previously spent treating and caring for them will now be directed to my farm. This means I can increase crop production and livestock care, which will help generate more household income," celebrated 39-year-old Selpha Maungu.

Ms. Maungu at the spring.

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

Britney takes water home.

"With reliable water, I can maintain better hygiene by washing clothes, bedding, and uniforms more often, and by showering daily without water shortages," said 13-year-old Britney.

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.

Setting 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.

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.

Setting 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.

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.

Tiling the spring floor.

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.

Community members plant grass.

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Shiveye 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 Wilson Kipchoge and Rose Serete deployed to the site to lead the event. 35 people attended the training, including 25 women and 10 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.

Oral hygiene session.

"The topic that prompted the most discussion was oral hygiene, specifically how many times a day people should brush their teeth. Many participants were surprised to learn that brushing twice a day, in the morning and before bed, is recommended. This led to a memorable discussion where community members shared their current habits. Some said they only brush once or when they remember, while others asked about the right technique and whether children should start early. The facilitator demonstrated proper brushing, and people were very engaged, asking follow-up questions about toothpaste, toothbrush care, and preventing cavities," Field Officer Rose Serete shared.

Rose continued: 'During the handwashing demonstration on the ten steps of handwashing, one elder lightened the mood by saying he had been “washing his hands his whole life but never for 20 seconds.” He then exaggerated the timing by counting aloud slowly while scrubbing, which made everyone laugh. The moment broke the tension and helped the group remember the 20-second rule more clearly."

28-year-old Christine Amayi, a vegetable vendor, shared her experience with the training.

Ms. Amayi.

"I enjoyed the training and found it very helpful and practical. This training changed how I view hygiene in my community. I now understand that hygiene is essential, and if one person does not practice it, it can put the health of the whole community at risk," Christine said.

She continued: "Soap making was the most interesting topic for me. I learned the basic ingredients and steps for making soap at home. With soap prices high, I believe that if I can get the ingredients, I will be able to make soap for my household. This will help me save money and also ensure my family has soap for daily handwashing and hygiene."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

August, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Shiveye Community!

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