Lack of access to clean and reliable water source continue to affect many schools in rural areas of Kenya. Most of these schools and communities relies on rain water and seasonal rivers which tends to dry up during dry seasons.
These are just some of the challenges that we identified when we visited these schools;
Contaminated Water Sources: Silangas, used by schools like Chesabuni,Kamorir, are prone to contamination from various sources, including animal waste and debris, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
Health issues: The use of contaminated water exposes students and the community to serious health risks, resulting in frequent illnesses and absenteeism. This, in turn, hampers academic performance and overall well-being.
Attendance: Children often miss school due to water-related illnesses or the time-consuming task of collecting water from distant sources. As a result, school attendance rates decline, affecting students' educational opportunities and future prospects.
Educational Disadvantages: Absenteeism and illness has disrupted the learning process, hindering students' academic progress and undermining the quality of education provided by schools like Chesabuni. Girls are particularly vulnerable, as they may be responsible for water collection, further exacerbating gender disparities in education.
- Feeding program: Some of the schools have had to stop the feeding program due to lack of clean water,the school's feeding program provided a lifeline to its students, offering nutritious meals to children who often went hungry at home.
The HopefullHandbags Rainwater Harvesting Project has been instrumental in providing schools like Chesabuni with access to clean drinking water. By installing rainwater harvesting systems, schools can now collect and store rainwater, ensuring a sustainable and reliable water source for students and staff. This has significantly reduced reliance on contaminated water sources like silangas, improving overall health and hygiene standards within the school community.
With access to clean drinking water on-site, students no longer need to spend valuable time fetching water from distant sources. This has allowed them to allocate more time to their studies, ultimately enhancing their academic performance and educational outcomes. The project has empowered students to prioritize their education, knowing that their basic needs, such as access to clean water, are being met
In addition to providing clean drinking water, the HopefullHandbags Rainwater Harvesting Project has had a ripple effect on other aspects of school life. With improved water access, some schools have been able to resume food programs that were previously suspended due to water scarcity. This has had a profound impact on students' nutrition and overall well-being, ensuring they have the energy and resources they need to focus on their studies.
The HopefullHandbags Rainwater Harvesting Project has been a game-changer for schools like Chesabuni, providing them with access to clean drinking water and creating opportunities for students to thrive academically. By addressing water scarcity and promoting hygiene practices, the project has not only improved health outcomes but has also enabled schools to resume essential programs like food provision, further supporting students' educational journey.
As we celebrate the success of initiatives like the HopefullHandbags Rainwater Harvesting Project, it is clear that access to clean water is essential for unlocking the full potential of students and ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed. Through continued support and investment in projects that prioritize clean water access, we can create a brighter future for generations to come.
