By Florence Chepkoech | Project Leader
ANOTHER DONOR ,ANOTHER BLESSING, AN INCH CLOSER!
By Florence Chepkoech- Project Leader
In February 2015, Matuiku Primary received a grant from So Hum Foundation USA, a match funding that finally came through as we had earlier anticipated, these funds would be used towards the construction of a farm pond and possibly help start another project in a needy school. Kenya Rainwater is waiting for the cheque to mature for the construction of the farm pond to begin.
The school also got a visitor from H20 for life; the schools’ evaluation visit was conducted from January 27-29, 2015 by Nick Coughlin, H20 for Life Communications Director, accompanied by Nina, and KRA team (Peris Muchina, Information and Communication Officer, and Stephen Njoroge, Technical Assistant). The evaluation team was delighted to meet the children and the communities who turned up in large numbers in support of the projects.
Background: The following are the project components: (a) construction of 50m3 masonry rainwater storage tank; (b) installation of gutters including a foul-flush system; (c) construction of gender-segregated improved sanitary facilities (block of VIP latrines for girls, boys and teachers; (d) construction of 72m3 school farm pond for irrigated vegetable garden; and (e) training pupils and community on (i) improved sanitation and hygiene, (ii) operation and maintenance, and (iii) irrigation water management and crop husbandry. The project was funded in partnership with Global Giving (UK)[1] and fundraising has been on-going to raise additional funds for the farm pond.
Current status:Nick was well received by teachers and the children and was happy to find that all the facilities were functioning as they should. He emphasised on the need to ensure proper management of the WASH facilities as that is the only way the school can give back to the donors. The school expressed their gratitude to the development partners who have helped the school improve the WASH facilities.
Nick meets and greets the children Nick is shown how to use a tippy tap
Nick had this to say” My purpose in Kenya was not only to gain a better understanding of the challenges schools have maintaining the water and sanitation projects our U.S. schools fund, but to determine whether there is anything H2O for Life can do to help support more sustainable practices. Ultimately, the longevity of a water tank or latrine depends almost entirely on a committed community that is willing to clean and repair the projects as needed, and that commitment must stem from the head teacher. Our implementing partners in the region, Waterlines and Kenya Rainwater Association, both follow up with the schools after the projects are complete. They serve as a helpful resource to the schools, but stress that the school community is primarily responsible for upkeep’
You can get more of this conversation from the Water for Life website. http://www.h2oforlifeschools.org
Kenya Rainwater Association continues to appreciate the effort of its donors who continue to further this noble cause of assisting needy Kenyan schools get safe and clean water.
When it comes to water it is often said that every drop counts and when it comes to you our partners we say that every donation counts!
We would like to hear from you, go ahead and send us an email
Best Wishes
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