February, 2025: Khwihondwe Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Khwihondwe Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser was 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!

"My community is now becoming a better place because of easy access to water. Our children will be able to attend classes without absenteeism because of water-related illnesses; hence, their grades will improve as they work towards their future goals," said 25-year-old Cynthia Ashuma, a local farmer.

Cynthia.

"I have learned about income-generating activities like soap making, and I am going to put it in practice to make income for my house because the economy has been weighing us down," she continued.

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

Isaac in the newly protected spring.

13-year-old Isaac is hopeful for the future. We asked how reliable, safe water would impact him. He shared, "It will improve my grades in school. I used to get sick a lot and was not able to go to school and be productive because of drinking contaminated water, but now, [a] chlorine dispenser has been installed. I am happy that I will be able to go to school more and concentrate on my studies in order to improve greatly."

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.

Establishing 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 walls and setting the collection pipe in place.

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.

Setting stones to prevent erosion.

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 walls.

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.

Installing tiles to prevent erosion.

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 got the okay from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Khwihondwe Community.

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Handing over ceremony.

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Joy Ongeri, Jacqueline Kangu, Edmond Otieno, and Mercy Odongo deployed to the site to lead the event. 25 people attended the training, including 17 women and 8 men.

Training in session.

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.

Learning how to make soap.

"The people had a big interest in learning how liquid soap is made because they used to buy [it] because they didn't know how to make it. Oral hygiene: Most people know how to brush their teeth, but not just the right way. Once they were taught by the facilitator, they were very excited and said that they will put [it] into practice," shared facilitator Mercy Odongo.

The Khwihondwe Community was actively engaged in each session. They came away with new knowledge that will help them thrive as they now live with clean, reliable water.

Dinah Ogolla at the spring.

"This training has taught me the importance of handwashing even though many of us ignored it. Having safe and clean water means that we also have to be cautious [about] how we handle our water and food. Ensuring that we have improvised handwashing station to curb our children from getting sick and missing school," said Dinah Ogolla, 27.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

January, 2025: Exciting Progress in Khwihondwe Community!

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