Shinambande Community

March, 2026: Shinambande Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"This water point will bring a big difference in my children and grandchildren's lives because they will have easy access to the water source, and also they will have enough time with their teachers because we have access to safe, reliable, and clean water," said Beatrice Mtekete.

Beatrice Mtekete.

Beatrice imagines that having access to the improved spring will help her improve her daily life as well.

"This new water point will help me get some income because I will be able to plant kales and other types of vegetables, which I will sell and then earn some money. Secondly, I will be able to save some money, which I was spending [on] medication, which will improve my living standards."

Eight-year-old Nelson is excited about access to clean water, too!

Nelson at the protected spring.

"It will improve things for me because I will now be able to access water safely without falling and being injured, and I will have extra time to go and play with my friends," declared Nelson. "Reliable water will impact my learning at school because I will not be sickly, I will be attending classes on time, and even I know that my academic performance will improve."

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.

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 Shinambande 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 Mercy, Joy, Xavier, Hilda, and Faith deployed to the site to lead the event. 25 people attended the training, including 21 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.

Soap-making session.

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.

Trainer Mercy Wamalwa shared, "Participants in the hygiene training showed strong commitment through their active participation, consistent attendance, and high completion rates. They were observed taking notes, engaging with materials, and asking clarifying questions, demonstrating a desire to thoroughly understand the content. Their enthusiasm was evident in their positive body language, voluntary contributions to discussions, and expressed value for the training. indicating a genuine interest in improving hygiene practices."

Proper handwashing session.

Farmer Margret Wekandu found the training to be interesting. She recalled, "The most interesting topic covered in hygiene training was how to handle water with a lot of care. It was interesting because we were taught that we should be cleaning our 'isongo' (water storage containers) after every three days, and also before going to fetch water, I should clean my container from home before going to fetch water."

Margret Wekandu at the spring.

"The training has impacted me, together with my community members, on how we should keep our water safe and clean," concluded Margret.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

January, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Shinambande Community!

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