Aqua Clara will partner with the school and install three bio-sand filters, start a Water & Hygiene club and construct a high quality rain water harvesting system at the school. Two community members will be trained to assist with this project
Narrative
The RWH project at this school works in conjunction with the ACI BSF model. By providing easier access to water within the school compound it is easier to use the BSF. Thus more water will be filter. Aqua Clara also implements a school club program, through this club children are taught the importance of water filtration, W.A.S.H practices along with general sanitation and hygiene. After implementation the children in the school have access to everything they need to become fully educated and practicing the use of clean water. An ACI trained individual conducts the full installation of the RWH system, using locally available materials and the best practices for RWH a high quality system is constructed. During the installation process the children, teachers and staff of the school are able to observe the construction and ask questions of the ACI trained individual to ensure a full understanding of the system. After installation the system and on site bio-sand filters are able to provide every individual at the school on a daily basis with at least 2 L of drinking water per day. Average rainfall over the last five years has been taken into consideration when deciding gutter run length and storage tank size.
Sustainability
Creating and measuring long-term impact
The Aqua Clara designed RWH system is meant to least for ten years with normal use. UV treated plastic and high quality materials along with best practice construction methods ensure a long lifespan for the system. Because of Aqua Clara's presence in the rural community maintenance costs are extremely low. Over the past two years we have only experienced a need for re caulking of joints, this is a very cheap and quick fix that the local CDE is capable of undertaking his or herself. Our overall program model, presence in the rural community and partner schools works perfectly for keeping a close eye on proper use of the system and ensures the children at the school are getting the water destined for them.
Other Issues
Unusual and unexpected issues faced during project execution
Each school we work with has its own unique set of challenges. Varying roof heights and inconsistent building techniques offer challenges for the ACI trained installation technician. Through practice and close oversight our technicians are able to overcome these challenges. We have found that a significant investment, both finically and training have proved invaluable in the field. Reducing the need and cost of upper level management to be in the field. One our two checks during and after construction have been satisfactory as our technician’s skill and experience increase.
Impact
People Impacted: 556
People Getting Safe Drinking Water: 26
These individuals are two Aqua Clara International trained people, One CDE (community development entrepreneur) and one CHP (community health promoter) The CDE markets, builds and sells the individual Bio-Sand water filters that are the mainstay of the ACI program. They have also been trained on RWH system construction and sales. The CHP conducts the M&E portion of the ACI program. She is trained in survey and data collection, a second check for quality filter production as well as a huge help in providing metrics for ACI and our funders. The other individuals included in this number are the staff at the school. Depending on the size of the school their number varies but they are individuals who spend the whole day at the school during all days school is in session. We have collected this information through an initial school survey when we (ACI) was planning for the RWH project.
School Children Getting Water: 530
All children in the school on a given day, nursery school through standard eight. These are children who may not have access to clean water in their homes. In conjunction with the work of the CDE, mentioned in the section above, ACI is working to close the sanitation loop for these children. If their parents are adopters of the program then they will be receiving clean water both in school and their homes. The RWH program also increases the individual access to water, here in Kenya it is very common for school children to spend a good section of their day walking to and from a water source. Wasting class time and daylight that could be used towards more productive enterprises.
People Getting Other Benefits: 2
These individuals are the CHP and CDE. Both Aqua Clara trained individuals who are making a living off of this project. Both the CDE and CHP have the opportunity to market and sell products in their community, uplifting them through knowledge as well as the promise of financial security. Clearly this will depend on the individuals will and enterprising skill but the opportunity has been provided via materials within the school compound for sale as well as a quality demonstration site within the community.