The Feed for Knowledge Project Ensures Schools Have Access to 20,000 Liters of Water in Kenya
“Water is life, and every little drop of water available in society should be taken care of.”
— Robert Karani, Head Teacher at Simbauti Primary School in Kenya
In southwestern Kenya, promoting holistic solutions to hunger and poverty, hygiene, and health are critical components of Feed for Knowledge, a project implemented by Rise Against Hunger and Rural Family Hope at seven schools to improve access to nutritious meals and safe, reliable sources of water in the area.
Before the program’s launch in 2022, students walked more than three miles to school daily, making it difficult to travel to and from home to acquire water — and the students sometimes contracted bilharzia, a parasitic disease found in contaminated water sources.
Through the Feed for Knowledge project, the seven participating schools received water tanks that now provide regular access to 20,000 liters of water or more. Continue reading to hear from local leaders on how these water tanks have impacted the lives of children and families in their communities.
Robert Karani, Head Teacher at Simbauti Primary School
As head teacher at Simbauti Primary School, Robert explains that the program’s launch and the provided water tanks have positively impacted the students’ overall health and well-being. He said, “Children have also learned that water is life and every little drop of water available in the society should be taken care of.” He shared that their school water tanks have around 30,000 to 40,000 liters available to their students at any given time. They collect rainwater from the school roofs and treat it to ensure it is safe to drink and use for hygiene.
Gilbert Otieno, Monitoring Evaluation Coordinator at Rural Family Hope
Rural Family Hope’s Monitoring Evaluation Coordinator, Gilbert, shares that the Feed for Knowledge project has provided safe drinking water to the students and their families and significantly improved their hygiene and health. He said, “We… twice a year give the learners deworming pills to help them… be able to consume and utilize the food that they get at school in the right way.” He explains further, “We are grateful for the partnership that we have with Rise Against Hunger… we’ve seen it firsthand that this program is really beneficial to the learners.”
Lorna Gwoma, Principal at Awendo Primary School
Awendo Primary School initially only had one tank for 5,000 liters of water; however, since the project launched, it has had regular access to two additional tanks providing 20,000 liters of water. As a result, Lorna, the school’s principal, has seen a drastic increase in students’ health as they have regular access to clean water. She said, “I can see a great change in the children. The parents are happy, and the teachers are equally happy. The community as a whole is happy about the program.”
Thomas Omari, School Board Chair at Tindereti Primary School
Serving as the school board chair at Tindereti Primary School for more than three years, Thomas has seen a drastic decline in sick cases among students since the launch of the Feed for Knowledge project. The water tanks help to ensure students remain hydrated with clean drinking water and learn handwashing techniques to stay sanitary. Also, the school cooks now have enough water to clean bowls and utensils used for school meals. He said, “We used to have a water problem, but since you came in… you can see a lot of tanks. You assisted us, and we have got enough water now.”
Each of these school and community leaders has experienced the lasting impact of the Feed for Knowledge project. Watch the video below to learn more about the program, its participants and how water has improved the quality of life in Kenya.
Through the Feed for Knowledge project, access to clean water helps ensure the health and wellness of children and their families. YOU, our community of Hunger Champions, have made this impact possible, paving the way toward brighter futures. It starts with a meal, and it starts with you. Will you partner with us to sustain transformational programs like this in Kenya and worldwide?