Safe Water for Schools and Children
Victor William & Philip Tamba — February 2025
Introduction
Chiuta Primary School, with about 650 pupils, located in Chiuta village in Mtama District Council, faced severe challenges due to a lack of clean and safe water. Pupils spent valuable learning time walking about 500 meters to fetch water, and waterborne diseases were common. Poor hygiene practices further worsened the situation, affecting their health, school attendance, and overall performance.
Happy Richard recalls: “The Pupils at Chiuta Primary School struggled with limited access to clean and safe water, poor sanitation leading to frequent cases of diarrhoea and other illnesses, and low concentration in class due to dehydration and fatigue.”
"Children would come to school tired because they had to fetch water for their families early in the morning. Some would even miss school due to sickness caused by unsafe water," she added.
Teacher Happy Richard and Standard Seven student Shadya Sayid using hand-washing facilities installed by the DMDO.
The Intervention: Clean and Safe Water for Schools
Deliverance came to Chiuta Primary School when the Anglican Church, Diocese of Masasi, in partnership with World Vision Tanzania, with Funds from The Grille Foundation implemented a clean and safe water project for Chiuta village and the school. This initiative included:
The installation of clean water taps at the school.
Provision of handwashing facilities to promote hygiene.
Sanitation and hygiene education for students and teachers.
Pupils fetching water at the school tap.
Life-Changing Impact
The results have been transformative for both Pupils and Teachers. Happy Richard proudly shares: "Now that we have clean water, children aren’t falling sick as often. They come to school ready to learn, and their performance has improved."
The introduction of clean water and hygiene education has led to:
Increased school attendance due to fewer illness cases.
Improved hygiene habits among students.
More time for learning as students no longer need to fetch water during school hours.
A healthier school environment, free from waterborne diseases.
Shadya Sayid, a Standard Seven student, explains:
"Before, we had to share water from a dirty pond with animals. Now, we have safe drinking water, and I no longer get sick like before."
Students drinking water at the school hand-washing station.
A Brighter Future for Chiuta Primary School
The transformation at Chiuta Primary School highlights the critical role of clean and safe water in education. Thanks to the dedication of teachers like Happy Richard and the introduction of water facilities, students now enjoy a healthier and more conducive learning environment. The project has not only improved academic performance but also empowered students with better hygiene practices, securing a brighter future for the entire Chiuta community.
Members of the Chiuta Primary School WASH Club
