Eshisa Community

October, 2025: Eshisa Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"My children used to be sent home for school fees most of the time, and sometimes missed school because they were sick with typhoid or stomach upsets. It was not easy for me because most of the money was spent in treating these illnesses, and they were not performing [well] in school. Now that our water is clean, I am hoping that my children will not be ill anymore. With us saving on [the] cost of hospital bills, I will be able to pay their school fees with no delay. My children will not be absent from school anymore, and their performance will improve," said 52-year-old farmer Linet Okalo.

Linet.

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

"This reliable water will help me save my time for me to study after school and not go to school late in the morning, because I sometimes fetch water before going to school for my bathing and other household use," 12-year-old Kevin said.

Kevin.

"With me going to school by not being absent because of typhoid and doing my homework or assignments on time, I will improve in my studies because now we have clean and reliable water," Kevin continued.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grass planting.

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 Eshisa 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 Mercy Odongo, Joy Ongeri, and Faith Muthama deployed to the site to lead the event. 18 people attended the training, including 14 women and four 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.

Oral hygiene session.

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.

Soapmaking session.

The participants enjoyed learning the process of soap making and look forward to incorporating their new skills into their daily lives.

Selina.

"I was able to learn how to make soap, which was really a good thing for me, for I had only heard about it, but I had never known how to. I now know the steps of handwashing, where I will ensure I will always do so that my hands are clean, which will prevent me from having [a] stomachache," shared Selina Nyangweso, a 42-year-old farmer.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

September, 2025: Exciting Progress Coming to Eshisa Community!

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