Conclusion of Kimathi Primary School Rainwater Catchment Project – Kenya

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Jennifer Navala.

To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to build a rainwater catchment system at the school.

Jennifer reports:

The Kimathi School installed a 5,000 liter water tank and gutter system to capture rainwater in the wet environment of the Aberdare Mountains.

The project proceeded according to plan. A tank was purchased in the nearby town of Engineer and transported to the school. The base was constructed by parents and teachers using dirt and cement. The gutters and piping were installed by the parents and teachers.

The Kimathi staff and parents were extremely grateful for this addition to their new primary school, consisting of only one small building for classes 1, 2, and 3. Because of the rural location of the school, and the limited funds, only these three classes can be held.

The addition of a water tank to the meager beginnings of a school was much appreciated, as was shown by the donations of the parents and teachers to purchase and install a cement base and piping for the water tank.

On the day that the water tank was brought, parents were invited to a session that the Community Health Workers (volunteers) and PCV Jennifer Navala had planned. The group taught nutrition and dental hygiene.

In addition to the session, parents and students planted five trees brought by the volunteers.

The water tank not only brings a source of water to the young children at the school, but it provides a chance to educate adults on the importance of good hygiene and health.

We are grateful to Jennifer for completing this project, her fourth in partnership with Water Charity.