Water. An essential and fundamental need for all life. The struggle for those that do not have a constant supply of clean water can go unnoticed, especially for fortunate US citizens. However, one visit to many developing countries, including Western Kenya, can change perspectives.

 

Lacking access to nearby clean drinking water, many community members–especially primary school boys and girls–will take more drastic measures to obtain water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and other basic activities. In some circumstances, students will walk up to an hour and a half while carrying 20 L jugs (20kg, 44lbs) of water on their heads. Often this water is not even clean, safe water to consume yet is the only available option. This time consuming and strenuous activity denies these children the opportunity to gain an education and potentially provides physical harm. In worse cases, students will continue to drink contaminated water that exposes them to harmful bacteria, contaminants, and viruses that can keep them out of school for weeks or worse.

 

This is why EWB@MSU, our sister organization M-Koko Trust, and our project founder Ronald Omoyonga have devoted ourselves to improving the access to clean, safe water for schoolchildren and their communities. In the last 14 years, EWB@MSU has implemented 14 borehole wells, 1 pipeline network stemming from a borehole well, and 2 rainwater catchment systems in Khwisero, Kenya. Our goal is to keep students healthier and in school for longer. We can achieve this goal through our partnership with M-Koko, our student volunteers, and our fantastic mentors. Together, we can implement clean water projects throughout Khwisero, Kenya to improve the health, education, and well-being of humankin.