Access to water is a challenge in Karatu District. Kids are punished if they don't bring a container of water to school, but scarce water is needed at home making it a source of contention among students, parents and teachers. Attendance and performance are down as children leave school early when their thirst becomes unbearable. And, normally girls are sent out to look for water so they miss a lot of school time and are at risk of encountering drunk men, snakes and other dangers.
One of our activities is construction of two 30,000 liter rainwater harvesting tanks and 8-unit ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines targeted for girls at rural primary schools. Handwashing and drinking stands are also set up. We train school water committees made up of kids, teachers and parents to maintain the infrastructure and manage the water supply, and to promote improved health and hygiene practices at school and at home.
Kids report that teachers, parents and children are in harmony these days. Children are no longer plagued by waterborne diseases and stomach ailments, and attendance has increased. Schools are able to attract and retain teachers, and even school performance has improved as children and teachers are better able to focus on schoolwork. Dry environments have been turned into oases. Schools have started fruit orchards and planted shade trees, and teachers living at the schools are able to supplement their food requirements with vegetable gardens.
So far, we've established rainwater harvesting at 15 schools, and our goal is to reach the remaining 70 primary schools in Karatu District.
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