Water Blogged

A momentous celebration took place in Sami Tabema, a rural village in Tikonko Chiefdom, Sierra Leone. The occasion marked the official handover of a brand-new Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project at the Bo District Education Committee (BDEC) Primary School—an initiative brought to life through Rural Health Care Initiative’s (RHCI) ongoing partnership with H2O for Life.

The project includes a safe and sustainable water well, a block of three modern toilets, and handwashing stations—critical infrastructure for the health and dignity of the children and community. For decades, pupils were forced to drink from the Tabe River and use nearby bushes for sanitation. Now, the children of Sami Tabema can focus on learning in a healthier, safer environment.

Why it Matters
Access to clean water and sanitation is more than a convenience—it’s a foundation for public health, education, and dignity. A reliable water source prevents waterborne diseases like diarrhea and typhoid, which are especially dangerous for children. Toilets protect girls’ privacy and help reduce school absenteeism during menstruation. And handwashing stations break the chain of infection, keeping students in school and communities healthy. Together, these improvements help break the cycle of poverty and illness.

The handover ceremony drew a vibrant and joyful crowd, including the Paramount Chief of Tikonko Chiefdom, Hon. PC Joe Kangbai Macavoray, RHCI Country Director Neneh Conteh Vandy, RHCI staff, school officials, parents, and excited pupils. Community members expressed deep gratitude for the project and pledged to maintain and safeguard the new facilities for the benefit of future generations.

“This project has transformed daily life for these children,” shared Moses Carter, RHCI Project Coordinator and lead on the partnership with H2O for Life. “We’re incredibly grateful for H2O for Life’s generous support and the community’s active involvement throughout.”

Paramount Chief Macavoray recognized the significance of this project for one of the most underserved communities in his chiefdom. He praised both RHCI and H2O for Life for responding to real community needs and emphasized the importance of local participation for long-term sustainability.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between RHCI and local stakeholders, a ribbon-cutting by the Paramount Chief, and student performances that underscored the day’s joy and meaning. This is one of many successful collaborations between RHCI and H2O for Life. Together, we continue to build healthier communities through clean water and sanitation—one village at a time.

Thank you to the following for supporting this project!