New ChildFund water point creates more learning time for children
“I am so happy and excited that my family and I have water right near our home. My children and I will now be spending more time together reading and playing. Earlier fetching water was such a stressful chore as we would have to make and dig small wells on the river in order to get water. I am grateful for the water brought close to us.” Mwelu, mother of five, Emali.
Emali is a semi-arid area with seasonal rivers and people living in rural communities, where piped water is unavailable, must walk long distances for water. A task often given to children, taking away from their precious study, learning and playing time.
Previously Mwelu's family, who live In Nduundune Village, had to walk 4 kilometers to the nearest river to source their water, a trip required six times a week to meet their water needs.
Now with the new water point in Nduundune Village, the children have more time to play and learn and the adults, who earn income from casual labour and small scale farming, have more time to focus on income generation.
A pipeline extension from a bore at Mwanyani supplies the new water point, which will provide water for more than 2,700 people across over 500 households, along with a primary and secondary school with a total of nearly 900 students.
New technology, with the use of an automated water dispensing system enabled by card holder access, also means community members can access water anytime without an attendant present. Families are allocated credits and if these run out they can purchase extra units.
ChildFund's work in water, sanitation and hygiene
Helping children to access safe, clean water, sanitation and hygiene is one of the five key focus areas of our work.
Access to safe, clean water helps to prevent water borne diseases like malaria. With COVID-19 it also supports better hygiene. A local water point also means vulnerable children are less at risk as they are not walking long distances to collect water.
ChildFund's work in Emali, Kenya
ChildFund is working with mothers, families and communities in Emali to take children out of poverty in Kenya.
Education, health/nutrition, water/sanitation, family livelihoods and child protection are our key focus areas. The aim is that the community becomes self-sufficient in providing the basics children need to thrive, and so we (with support) can move on to help another community.
ChildFund New Zealand works in Emali through local partners to a community devised set of strategic goals (we call it a Road Map). With your support, we can help Emali reach its goal of self-sufficiency in providing the basics to its children through better access to safe water, sanitation, education, healthcare and child protection, along with more livelihood opportunities for their families.
If you would like to join us in helping the community of Emali to reach their goals and in doing your bit to help children in need, please become a monthly supporter today.
Do you want to read more?
To learn more about our work with water, sanitation and hygiene, click here.
To learn more about our work in livelihood generation, click here.
To learn more about our work in Emali, Kenya, click here.
Would you like to support one of our water projects? Please donate now or become a monthly giver today.