Excellent Development collaborated with partners the Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF) to support the construction of a tank at a school suffering from water scarcity...

Miau secondary school is a mixed day school located in Miau area of Makueni county. Access to water as a basic commodity in the area is one of the main challenges that faced the community and the school at large.

Shadrack Waema is the school’s deputy principal, he comes out to speak on the extent the tank has been helpful to them: "Getting safe water for drinking and cooking in school was a big problem, the school resorted to using water from an earth dam. During the driest times of the year, water was bought using a water bosa which were costly to the school."

"Students have access to clean drinking water and for cooking. Behold, the water has encouraged us to start a boarding facility for girls due to the convenient supply on top of being used in the construction process."

Shadrack Waema, deputy principle, Miau Secondary School.

He adds: "Now the tank is full of water, it is really helping us. Students have access to clean drinking water and for cooking. Behold, the water has encouraged us to start a boarding facility for girls due to the convenient supply on top of being used in the construction process."

The tank has been of benefit to the 196 students, 10 teachers and four members of support staff. Moreover, during the driest parts of the month, 304 pupils and eight teachers of Miau primary school depend on water from the tank during school hours.

On top of the water, the tank has been painted with wash messages aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation levels.

"The need for hand washing has prompted the school to improvise stations in the students' toilets to help improve hygiene standards," says Mr Waema.

Paul Mulinge, aged 18, is the student council leader at the school, he talks about how the messages have impacted on student behavior: "The messages are a constant reminder to me on why I should wash my hands after visiting toilets and before meals, this has greatly changed my behaviour" says Mulinge.

Wayua Mutua, also aged 18, is in form four. To her, the messages present a new dawn: "Now I wash my hands with clean water and soap, this works to preventing germs and disease infections" says Miss Mutua.

Could you donate today and supply more communities with the tools, hardware, support and guidance they need to transform their own lives with lifelong access to clean water?