By Irene Daniel Mallya, Queen Ernest Msuya and Brenda Odhiambo

On March 7, two Mastercard Foundation Scholars, Queen Ernest Msuya (BA. International Relations) and Irene Daniel Mallya (BSc. International Business Administration), launched a water project at Ol Joro Secondary School in Arusha, Tanzania.

For years, students and staff at Ol Joro Secondary School struggled with unreliable water access. The school is situated in a region where water scarcity and inconsistent supply systems have long been a challenge. Many students commute from surrounding areas, making access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation essential for their well-being. Before the project, unreliable water supply hindered hygiene, increased waterborne diseases, and made laboratory lessons difficult as science practicals require a steady water flow.

To address these challenges, the project focused on installing a drinking water station, extending water supply to washrooms and the laboratory, and modifying the water channel from the source, covering over 900 meters.

"When we first assessed the school’s water situation, we saw the immediate need for a more reliable and accessible water system," said Denis Tarimo, the project supervisor. "The students needed clean drinking water, the washrooms lacked a steady supply, and the laboratory required better water access for practical learning. Solving these issues meant improving not just hygiene but also education quality," he noted.

The project took eight weeks from start to finish. It began with a site assessment and planning phase, where the team mapped out the necessary improvements. This was followed by procurement of materials, including pipes, fittings, and tanks, and then the modification of the water channel, ensuring a consistent flow of water to the school.

Some of the improvements made as a result of the project included the construction of a drinking water station for students and staff, the extension of pipelines to washrooms to improve sanitation, and the provision of a dedicated water supply to the science laboratory, enabling more efficient practical lessons. The project concluded with a training for both students and staff on water conservation and hygiene practices to guarantee the project's long-term impact.

With the project completed, its impact has been immediate and transformative. Over 600 students and 30 staff members now have consistent access to clean drinking water, leading to fewer health-related absences and improved sanitation. Laboratory practicals have also become more efficient, enhancing the learning experience for science students.

"This project has changed our daily lives," said one student. "Before, we struggled with unreliable water, but now we can focus better in class, and maintain better hygiene." The teachers have also reported a drop in the number of water-borne diseases, with students becoming more engaged in lessons.

The project’s leaders believe this is just the beginning.

"This initiative proves that young people can drive meaningful change in their communities," said Queen. "Access to water is a basic right, and through our collaboration and with the input of the Program, we’ve made a lasting impact on the students of Ol Joro Secondary School," she says.

Irene, one of the project leads, reflected on the project’s significance. “Seeing the joy on students' faces when they realized they had reliable access to clean water was the most rewarding part of this journey. It reinforced the idea that small changes can make a big difference,” she said.