In the semi-arid region of Mwingi North Constituency lies Kyuso Girls High School, a beacon of hope for young girls pursuing education amidst numerous challenges. For years, the school faced an unrelenting crisis: a severe lack of clean, safe water. This scarcity not only disrupted daily life but also severely impacted the health, hygiene, and academic progress of the students, especially adolescent girls.
When the school first began, water was brought here using donkeys and carts, or it came through the generosity of women from the community and local leaders,”
Pamela Ngei, Kyuso Girls Secondary School headteacher.
However, this supply was often inadequate and unreliable, creating a challenging learning environment and making it difficult for students to maintain basic hygiene.
For the girls, the lack of clean water compounded challenges during their menstrual cycles, leading to discomfort, loss of confidence, and frequent absenteeism.
“We didn’t even have peace in class during those times,” Joyce Joseph, the school’s head girl. “Fetching water consumed our time, and we couldn’t focus on our studies.”
A Life-Changing Intervention
On October 25th, hope finally arrived at Kyuso Girls High School. Through a collaborative effort by NALSA-K and Proudly Kenya, a transformative water project was launched. The highlight was the installation of a large water tank, ensuring a consistent and safe water supply for the students and staff.
“I want the girls to focus on their studies without distractions,” said Monica Musyemi, a NALSA-K representative. “When they no longer have to worry about water, they can thrive and become important members of society.”
Impact Beyond the Classroom
The joy and relief among the students were palpable. “Now, we can study comfortably without worrying about water,” said Joyce with a bright smile.
This water tank project provides more than just a utility for the students but also a promise of better health, dignity, and opportunity for the girls of Kyuso. With clean water now readily available, these students can focus on their education, build their confidence, and dream bigger.
As Kyuso Girls High School enters this new chapter, one thing is clear: access to clean water has set the stage for the students to flourish and for the community to thrive.
