Eshikufu Community 2

June, 2025: Eshikufu Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"The new water source will enable me [to] get income for my household because I am now assured of good health and enough time to concentrate on working towards income generation. The resources that I have been wasting on medication will now be diverted to my savings and growth," shared local farmer Gaudencia Ouma, 49.

Ms. Ouma.

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

12-year-old  Joseph said, "I will no longer carry water from home because it's usually very tedious. Since our school is closer to the spring, I will easily access clean water for drinking. Clean water will enable me to be healthy."

Joseph.

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 gathering 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.

Preparing for the discharge pipe placement.

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.

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.

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.

Layering stones to prevent erosion.

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.

Installing tiles in the spring to prevent erosion.

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 Eshikufu Community.

The spring is complete!

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 Beatrice, Milly, Jacquey, Joyce, Joy, and Mercy deployed to the site to lead the event. 34 people attended the training, including twenty-two women and twelve 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.

Spring management training.

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 came expectant of new knowledge. Their patience and active participation throughout the training sessions indicated how they valued it, and [their] willingness to put into practice what they learned," shared facilitator Jacquey.

Ms. Milly Branda at the handwashing station.

Milly Branda is the health teacher. The topics she was most excited about were
water handling and personal hygiene. "This was interesting because the students were excited to hear the lessons they usually learn from school, through their teachers being mentioned here by other trainers. I was excited by their active participation, because I knew [that] being a health club, this was going to be impactful to the rest of the learners and teachers in the entire school."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

April, 2025: Project Update: Eshikufu Community is on Track with Your Support

We’re excited to share that everyone in the Eshikufu Community is eagerly anticipating their new spring protection. While our original timeline was planned for April, after careful consideration and collaboration with local leaders, we’ve decided to extend the schedule to ensure every detail is perfect for long-term success.

Your continued support makes all the difference, and we deeply appreciate your understanding as we make these necessary adjustments. Should you have any questions, we’re here to talk.

March, 2025: Exciting Progress in Eshikufu Community, Thanks to You!

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