Water and sanitation are at the core of sustainable development. Safe drinking water is a pillar of human health and well-being. With children spending 80% of their active time in school, the interdependence of water and education is not to be underestimated.
Many schools lack adequate water and sanitation facilities, affecting children’s education and even claiming lives. Millions of children in our country go to schools that have no drinking water or clean latrines – basic things that many take for granted. Better water, sanitation, and hygiene – collectively known as WASH – could reverse this gap in basic human needs.
Improved hygiene will lead to less risk of disease, which in turn will result in stepped up school attendance and ultimately the nations’ economic growth. WASH also enhances girls’ ability to continue their education.
Koinonia Education Centre is a Christian, Non-Governmental institution that was started in January 2003, to cater for needy children from Kibagare slums. While this Centre is outside are traditional catchment area, EMU Sacco was asked for help.
Recently the school acquired a 10 acre plot of land near Mai Mahiu along the Naivasha Road, and they are in the process of developing basic school facilities. These include 8 classrooms, a kitchen, 2 dormitories for boys and girls, and an administration block. With increasing number of students, it was imperative for the institution to first and foremost deal with the issue of water security.
Through Emu Sacco the institution was able to secure a 5000m3 water lagoon. Rainwater is collected from a 600m2 pitched roof catchment area and harvested through gutters into the water lagoon. The roof catchment area is set to increase with the additional facilities being built in the institution.
The harvested rain water will complement other water sources the institution has and enable the institution to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation is maintained even in the event of water scarcity.
Improving sanitation in schools will help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably the targets of reducing child mortality and halving the proportion of people without access to safe water and basic sanitation.
Water harvesting using quality dam liners has proven to be a cost-friendly and effective method to support water users.
Emu Sacco supplies quality dam liners and offers professional technical services of installation of the dam liners to its clients.
For more information contact us on:
Mobile- 0700014239
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