Water Blogged

Msengela Primary School is situated in the Kilolo district of the Iringa region. The school was facing a significant water crisis that adversely impacted the health, hygiene, and academic performance of its 452 students and 8 staff members.

The school lacked a direct water supply, forcing students to fetch water from a stream located more than 1.5 kilometers away. This water is untreated and often contains harmful microorganisms, putting students and staff at risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera. The water shortage prevented regular cleaning of the toilets and created an unhygienic environment. This situation posed significant challenges for girls, particularly during menstruation, as they struggled to attend school due to the lack of water and sanitation. Additionally, the time spent fetching water reduced their learning time and contributed to poor academic performance.

Thanks to the collaboration between H2O for Life and our implementing partner, St. Paul Partners, a shallow well has been drilled at Msengela Primary School. This well will provide clean and safe water for the students, staff, their families, and the surrounding community. As a result, both the health and academic performance of the students are expected to improve.

To ensure the sustainability of the project, WASH training was conducted at Msengela. Both students and staff participated in sessions focused on project management and sustainability. The goal of this training was to enhance the sense of ownership among the school community and its management regarding the project, as well as to equip them with the skills needed for its ongoing maintenance. The school has committed to taking good care of the project and has agreed to allocate budget funds for any necessary repairs in the future.

Thanks to the following for supporting this project!