The Challenge
On July 28, 2010 access to clean water and sanitation was declared a human right by the United Nations. A key Millennium Development Goal states that by 2015 the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water should be halved. The Academies of Science of the G8 countries stress that accessibility and protection of water resources are fundamental to human health in rural and urban areas worldwide.
These objectives are most important to Kenya in helping rural areas such as Kakamega to fight poverty and focus on issues of universal education, gender equality, and child and maternal health.
Diarrhoea-related illnesses in Kenya kill more children under five years old than AIDS, malaria and measles combined. This is due to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation or insufficient hygiene. Major health issues are associated with unsafe water. They include water-borne infectious diseases, including cholera, hepatitis, amoebiasis.
Providing sustainable access to safe water and sanitation is one of the most crucial development interventions in helping people to lift themselves out of poverty. It is also one of the most cost-effective public health measures. Better sanitation and use of safe water strengthens economic development, reduces lost productivity and minimizes school days lost each year due to water-borne diseases.
The lack of adequate facilities in schools is one factor that prevents girls from attending school, particularly when menstruating. Gender-sensitive sanitation, together with education and hygiene, especially hand-washing, will significantly reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases.
CES Canada’s Response
Since March 2010 CES Canada has coordinated the development of four wells through water projects at Eshitari SS, Navakholo SS, Kachonge PS and Musaga SS. The results are staggering and even the surrounding village and school communities have access to clean drinking water.
Navakholo SS official dedication of the CES Water Project
InOctober 2010 CES Canada sponsored a professional development workshop and student conference on the topic of Personal Health and Washing Hands with Soap. Teachers and students from 17 secondary schools participated.
In January 2011 CES Canada initiated its PAD project. This has enabled sixty sponsored female students to obtain the education and resources necessary to use feminine hygiene re-useable pads. The net result is improved self-esteem and better school attendance.
