For years, Muuluko Primary School in Mwingi North struggled with a relentless challenge: the scarcity of clean water. Students routinely sacrificed valuable learning time trekking to fetch water or bring water with jerry cans from home which proved to be a daunting task, especially for smaller children. Even then, the water they brought back was often unsafe, leading to illnesses that kept many away from school. Sanitation suffered as well, and efforts like a tree-planting initiative, once brimming with hope, faltered due to the unrelenting water shortage.
“We tried initiatives like tree planting, but the lack of water caused the trees to wither. We couldn’t sustain them despite our efforts.”
Thomas Nzuki, Chair of the Board of Management, recalled.
Everything changed on October 25th, when the school witnessed a transformative moment, the inauguration of a new water tank. Spearheaded by Monica Musyimi, the NALSA-K Eastern Caucus Chairlady, who also represents Mwingi North constituency in partnership with Proudly Kenyan, the project was celebrated with joy and unity across the community.
“This tank will provide drinking water for our children and support the school’s projects,” Monica Musyimi shared during the colorful launch ceremony.
For the students, the new tank symbolizes a brighter future. Eunice Syombua, a student at Muuluko, expressed her delight: “We struggled to get drinking water, but now we will have enough.” Her excitement was echoed by her classmates, whose songs and dances filled the school grounds.
The impact of the water tank has already begun to transform the school. Sanitation standards have improved significantly. Waterborne illnesses have decreased, and better hygiene practices are taking root among both students and staff.
“This place is very dry, and there’s nowhere we could get water. We had to request children to bring water from home. We now have a reliable source of water, and this will make a big difference.” The headteacher, Hellen Musee, shared her optimism.
Plans are underway to revive the tree-planting project, this time with confidence in its success. The school aims to create a greener, more vibrant campus that not only enhances the environment but also supports local biodiversity.
Parents expressed heartfelt gratitude to NALSA and Proudly Kenya for their support. The new water tank has lifted a heavy burden off the children, allowing them to focus on their studies without the added strain of fetching water from far-off places.
As the celebrations drew to a close, the joy and hope on the children’s faces told a powerful story. At Muuluko Primary School, the struggles of the past have been replaced with dreams fueled by clean water. With every drop, the school is growing stronger, and its future is brighter than ever.
