Community Development Entrepreneurs were trained to install rainwater harvesting systems at Rigoma primary school and will sell low cost, high quality RWH units to the surrounding community.
Narrative
The construction process at Rigoma primary was quite a smooth experience. Because of the schools proximity to our office I believe the sensitization of individuals involved was not as difficult as it has been at other schools. All of the stakeholders at the school were ready and willing to support the ACI team and open their minds to the new style of construction. Our community development entrepreneur working at the school was a big help in the construction process because of his previous work history as a mechanic. This was a huge help to the organization for the implementation of the entire project. We spoke to a student before we finished the project and asked him what he thought about the rain water system. Charles Oburi, Age 8 had this to say "I am very happy that our school was selected for a rain water system. Everyday before school we have to walk about one kilometer to fetch water for the school. Having the rain tanks right here will give us more time for class and learning." Charles is one of many students who's everyday live has been changed and improved by the implementation of this project.
Sustainability
Creating and measuring long-term impact
Community Health Promoters will run school Water and Hygiene clubs, using the RWH systems as a teaching tool will provide a powerful lesson for the students about sanitation and hygiene. Having the CHP at the school at least two times a month will be very important in making sure the RWH system is still functioning at its peak levels. The CHP is also at our office once a month and has a highly functioning working relationship with our office staff. Because of this relationship we trust that we will get honest reporting on the use of the system by the school. The five dollars can be expected from the school is there are any breakages on the moving parts of the system due to use or wearing out of the silicone sealing up the unions on the gutters.
Other Issues
Unusual and unexpected issues faced during project execution
Honesty of the partnership between ACI and the School was brought into question during our work at this school. Because the relationship is a partnership there are certain requirements expected from the school and ACI. The school initially did not live up to their end of the partnership agreement. This caused us as the organization to double check on the other schools we would be working at over the next couple of months.
Learnings
Knowledge of project and process for sharing
The RWH system is a huge help in the use of the hand washing station program. The schools are much more likely to be positive and use the hand washing stations to their full potential. It also puts a lot less stress on the students who are usually the ones who are going out to the previous water source to fetch water, having the students more excited about sanitation and hygiene is one of our major goals and I feel this was accomplished well at this school. Daniel our CDE from Rigoma Primary was able to help us to communicate and rationalize to us some of the concerns that people have with our construction process. His skills in working with his hands and ability to communicate was a huge help for the implementation of the rest of the project and made the entire exercise much more efficient.
Impact
People Impacted: 375
People Getting Safe Drinking Water: 373
This number includes all children at the school, nursery class through standard eight. It also includes all teachers and support staff at the school. Through the bio sand water filter program that is active at the school. All students and teachers will be able to more easily feed the filters because of the access to water within the school compound. We gathered this number though a survey of the school during the selection process for the rain water catchment systems.
School Children Getting Water: 362
This number is all of the children that are signed up to attend school at Rigoma Primary during 2012. We gathered this number though a survey of the school during the selection process for the rain water catchment systems.
People Getting Sanitation: 373
Improved access to water through the tanks within the compound will allow students and teachers to fill and use the hand washing stations provided by ACI on more regular intervals. We gathered this number though a survey of the school during the selection process for the rain water catchment systems.
People Getting Other Benefits: 2
The community development entrepreneur and community health promoter, both Aqua Clara trained individuals. The training during the construction process as well as the ability for the RWH system to be used as a teaching tool improve the ability of the CDE and CHP to educate and distribute products into the surrounding community.
