Water Catchment - Ndemu Primary School, Kenya
The project comprised of four main components: (a) construction of 75m3 masonry rainwater storage tank including water draw-off point cum hand-washing facility for pupils; (b) installation of gutters including a simple foul-flush system; (c) construction of gender-segregated VIP latrines (blocks for girls, boys, and teachers)1; and (d) training of pupils and community on good sanitation and hygiene practices.
The completion of the 75m3 water storage tank ensured that the adequate water was stored during short rains (October – December 2017), which marked the end of pupils carrying water from home or collecting water from dirty rivers and spending so much time fetching water. The school has also supplemented water storage with piped water, which is now connected to the tank. Although the piped water is rationed, and hence unreliable, it ensured water availability, even for cooking school meals, during the recent devastating drought. The school is very grateful and expressed gratitude to H2O for Life and KRA for becoming a part of the change they have awaited for so long. It is anticipated that the project will enhance retention, reduce absenteeism and improve academic performance.
