St. Catherine School, Bukabooli, Mayuge, Uganda
The St. Catherine School and its surrounding community faced ongoing challenges with water access. When the school’s well malfunctioned, the 350 students and local residents were left without a reliable water source. This situation was particularly hard on the students, who had to venture outside the school premises in search of water, often spending hours away each day. This not only raised safety concerns among the teachers but also affected the students’ classroom time.
In dire circumstances, the students resorted to consuming any available water, resulting in illness due to contamination. The prevalence of water-related diseases was so widespread at St. Catherine that teaching became impossible as most students were unwell. The faculty had to allocate the students’ fees towards treating these illnesses, highlighting the urgent need for safe water access. Recognizing the critical link between water and education, the school’s teachers and administrators joined forces with the community in seeking solutions.
Upon learning of our team’s work in the region, local leaders were confident they had found the solution they needed. After visiting the school, our team determined that a well rehabilitation project was not only possible but essential. Through a thorough assessment of the well’s condition, we treated the water to guarantee its safety for consumption, and diligently repaired or replaced any necessary parts to ensure the well’s proper functionality.
Our team assisted in implementing sustainable practices at the school to guarantee continuous access to safe water. In line with this objective, we supported the school administration in establishing a dedicated water committee tasked with overseeing the maintenance and care of the well.
Our team organized a series of engaging activities to empower students, community members, and local leaders in embracing effective hygiene and sanitation practices within their households, school, and the well area. Through these interactive sessions, all 54 participants gained valuable knowledge on the proper handling and storage of water from the newly restored well. Their enthusiasm and commitment to enhancing personal hygiene and community health were truly inspiring.
COMMUNITY DETAILS
| Exact Coordinates: | Latitude: 0.357409 Longitude: 33.6855 |
| Previous Water: | Hand Pump |
| Total Users: | 350 |
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
| Pump Type: | Hand Pump |
| Depth of Well: | 25 m |
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“The lack of safe water created a lot of problems at the school. We had to use the school fees the pupils paid to treat them when they were sick, especially those who live at the school. We couldn’t always have class every day because so many students would be ill. The students’ performance declined because they couldn’t study very well. I expect this water source to change the school’s situation by reducing the distance that the children have to walk to collect water. Now that there is water so close to to the school, the pupils will have enough time to study. They won’t suffer from water-related diseases as frequently because they now have safe water.”
–Ofwono Raymond, 65-year-old headmaster
Our partnership with Pacific Landscape Management helped contribute the financial support needed to build the well and educate the community on water hygiene best practices. Thank you for your support!
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