Buloma Community 5

May, 2025: Buloma Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"Before this waterpoint, dreams felt far away. Every day was a fight just to survive. Now with clean water flowing nearby, my children can go to school with energy and pride. I can tend my fields and dream of selling my crops in the market. We can finally imagine a different future, one where our children become teachers, doctors, [and] leaders because they have the chance to grow strong and stay in school," said Anjelina Namusenje, a 56-year-old farmer.

Anjelina.

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

Lincoln.

"Having clean water close by will make everything better! I won't have to miss school or stay home sick because of bad water. My mom won't be tired from walking so far to get clean and safe water for drinking, and I can help her with house chores and other things that [need] to be done at home. We can play outside without being too tired, and we won't get sick from the dirty water anymore. I'm happy because now we have more time for fun and to learning," said Lincoln, 16.

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 move construction materials.

When the community was ready, we delivered the remaining construction materials, including cement, plastic tarps, and hardware. Then, our construction artisans 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.

Measuring for the collection pipe.

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.

Backfilling the spring box and adding fencing to protect the spring.

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 protected spring.

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 Buloma 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 Adelaide Nasimiyu, Mercy Wamalwa, Joy Ongeri, Joyce Naliaka, and David Mulinge deployed to the site to lead the event. 33 people attended the training, including 28 women and 5 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 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.

"The participants were fully engaged in discussions, asking insightful questions and offering their own experiences. Throughout the training the participants shared their personal stories about their own hygiene practices, challenges they have faced, [and] expressed their desire to improve their health. These stories demonstrated how invested they are in improving not just their own lives but also the lives of those around them," said Field Officer Adelaide Nasimiyu.

Learning to make soap.

"This community believed that talking openly about menstrual hygiene is a cultural taboo. The women expressed their reluctance to even mention menstruation openly. The Community Health Promoter had to intervene; she explained to the community that this is a health issue that women go through every day. They had to embrace the teachings in order to keep the girls well-kept. She was able to convince them [that] a lot of health issues have been caused by poor menstrual care, so they need to have an open mind to learn. One woman admitted that she couldn't understand the connection between menstrual hygiene and overall health until the training, and she was grateful that she got to learn," Adelaide continued.

Learning proper hand-washing techniques.

"Before this training, I felt embarrassed and didn't understand why menstrual hygiene was so important. Now, I know it's not just about comfort, but about staying healthy. I feel empowered to take care of myself, and I can teach my friends and sisters how to do the same. No one should feel ashamed of something that is so natural," said 22-year-old farmer Everline Musungu.

Everline.

"Before the training, I didn't realize how much our community could improve our hygiene practices. I always thought small things like washing hands or using clean water didn't matter much, but now I understand that these simple habits can make a big difference, not just for ourselves but for everyone in the community. I feel more responsible for spreading this knowledge so we can all stay healthy together," Everline concluded.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

April, 2025: Exciting Progress in Buloma Community!

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