Transforming Lives: New Water Tank Brings Relief to Tii Primary School in Mwingi North
Tii Primary School, nestled in the semi-arid region of Mwingi North, has struggled for years with a lack of access to clean and safe water. This water scarcity has taken a toll on students’ health, education, and overall quality of life.
For many, fetching water involved walking long distances to nearby rivers, a task that consumed valuable learning time and energy. “Often, we’d have to walk long distances to fetch water, which made us late for class,” shared Dominic Muteti, a student. Some parents resorted to sending water to school via donkeys to ensure their children stayed hydrated during the day, but the water was often unsafe for consumption.
The challenge extended to sanitation and hygiene. Without a steady water supply, maintaining clean ablution facilities was nearly impossible, putting both students and teachers at risk of illness. “We used to carry water from home. Sometimes we’d get late to come to school while fetching water. We also have toilets, but due to lack of water, they would stay for days without getting cleaned,” said Dominic Muteti, a grade seven student, highlighting how the issue impacted both health and academic performance.
A Game-Changing Solution
On October 25th, hope arrived at Tii Primary School when NALSA-K Eastern Caucus Chairlady Monica Musyimi, in partnership with Proudly Kenya, launched a water tank project at the school. This initiative brought a much-needed 10,000 litre water tank, offering a sustainable solution to the years-long water crisis.
The project’s immediate impact was palpable. Students now have access to clean water within the school compound, eliminating the need for long, exhausting treks. The headteacher expressed his delight, noting how the water supply would improve hygiene and health and free up time for learning. “This project is transformational for us,” he said. “We lacked water for cooking and drinking. Children were expected to carry water from home yet you’d find they didn’t have enough water even at home. Now they can focus on their studies without worrying about water.”
Beyond the Basics
The water tank will also enable the revival of the school’s vegetable and tree-planting initiative, which had suffered due to the water shortage. “We planted 300 trees, but only 100 survived because of the lack of water,” said the headteacher. The renewed access to water will allow the school to sustain its environmental efforts, creating a greener and healthier learning environment. To ensure the longevity of the project, the school plans to establish a maintenance committee comprising staff and students. This team will oversee the tank’s upkeep, promoting responsible use of the resource and fostering a sense of ownership among the students.
Community Celebration
The launch event was a joyous occasion, marked by songs, dances, and heartfelt gratitude. “We are so grateful, and may God bless NALSA-K and Proudly Kenyan,” said Winfred Kimanzi a student at the school, echoing the sentiments of many. Parents and community leaders were equally appreciative, recognizing the project’s potential to transform lives and improve education outcomes.
A Brighter Future Ahead
With the water tank in place, Tii Primary School is now better equipped to provide a safe, clean, and conducive environment for learning. The students can focus on their education without the burden of water scarcity, and teachers are optimistic about improved academic performance.
The project stands as a powerful example of how targeted interventions can bring lasting change to marginalized communities. For Tii Primary School, October 25th will be remembered as the day hope returned, paving the way for a brighter and more promising future.