These Ugandan high school students are very lucky to have progressed past primary school testing to senior school. Previously they spent close to $1000 each year to fill their rain tanks with water from a truck so girls can wash, cook and everyone can stay clean. This money is taken from school development funds that could be used for more teachers or other items. When funds were not available to purchase water, students walked 6km roundtrip to a dam shared with cattle or 10km to a lake to pay someone money to get ‘cleaner’ water. Along the way, girls faced issues of becoming early mothers or students get very sick from the water.

During drilling, we hit our first dry borehole ever. 26 projects into Uganda and it’s really something that always has the probability of happening, but it lessens with proper planning which has caused our success to this point. Plan B is a 70,000 liter rainwater harvesting tank that will feed to taps. The teachers are very happy with the determination to help, especially since enrollment has dropped due to drought and no water at the school.

Lwabyata Secondary School students used to travel miles for water…. now they have over 100,000 liters of solar pumped, tapped rainwater. With a strong conservation plan, they can move through the driest times! They have three tap stands for handwashing and ceramic water filters for their classrooms. The latrines are in good shape thanks to dedicated board members and students and they have night security to help protect the project! This school has taken a big step towards getting out of poverty and now students can take full advantage of being in school!

– Submitted by our implementing partner, Drink Local Drink Tap