Friday, September 1st

Schools + Water + Sanitation = an inspiring day!

So today was all focused on the Rainwater Harvesting for Karatu Schools Project which, as the group learned, is about so much more than just clean water…

We started the day with a visit to Magesho Primary School where we were greeted by the school choir – singing a song that they had written especially for our visit which overviewed all of the project activities/inputs that had been taking place at their school: Rainwater Harvesting Tanks, new Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines, Hand washing Stands, Drinking Water Stands, cups for the students, tree nursery & environmental sanitation. We also visited Gendaa Primary School which has received much of the same support (with the exception of the tree planting activities).

In case you’re unsure of what all this means I will rely on photos to tell the story…

This is a 30,000 litre Rainwater Harvesting Tank (Mogesho) which is storing water from the rainy season which is collected from enclosed eaves on the roofs of school buildings so that the children have clean, safe water to drink during the dry season:

This is a hand washing stand in the school yard at Gendaa:

This is the tree nursery at Magesho and one of the seedlings that has been plated on school grounds (each student is responsible for taking care of their own seedling):

One of the most interesting things for our group was that the project is largely being managed by student water committees – they are responsible for managing water use and ensuring that the hand washing and drinking water stands are full and are in working order.

The teachers and students were all very proud of the changes that have taken place at their schools and report that the incidence of students missing school due to waterborne illness has decreased, that more students are regularly attending and that it is now easier to retain teaching staff at the schools. They also say that the students are taking what they have learned about sanitation, hygiene and environmental conservation home with them which is resulting in changing behaviors in the surrounding communities.

All in all it was inspiring to see how the school communities themselves have embraced this project and are continuing in their efforts!