A School Transformed: How Access to Clean Water Changed Everything
By Martha Namugga | 18 February 2025
Kabarole
District, Western Uganda is in dire need of support, the Centenary Foundation has stepped in to alleviate a pressing water crisis at St. Elizabeth Bunyangabo School, allowing students to thrive academically without the burden of water shortages.
For Cecilia, a new Senior One student in 2024, the initial excitement of joining the school quickly turned to concern as she discovered the harsh reality of inadequate water supply.
“This was a big challenge for us as learners,” Cecilia explained. “We lost valuable time that could have been spent studying, instead trekking through the villages for water needed for drinking and kitchen use.”
Understanding the adverse effects on both the students’ welfare and their academic performance, Sister Lynet Mura, the school bursar reported that: “The school was spending 3.5 million shillings on paying water bill and failure to pay led to consequent disconnection”
Sister Lynet Mura took action. She reached out to various development partners seeking support for the pressing water crisis. While many remained unresponsive, the Centenary Foundation provided a ray of hope.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Centenary
Foundation, we received a 10,000-liter water tank,” Sister Lynet expressed with
gratitude. “Now we can harvest rainwater to support both our students’ needs
for the boys’ dormitory, girl’s dormitory and the kitchen.” She reiterates.
She added that , “After the intervention, the water bill that used to cost us 3.5
million shillings has reduced 250,000 shillings. And the money saved is now
diverted supporting the provision of scholastic materials to learners “.
Water scarcity is not a problem unique to St. Elizabeth Bunyangabo. According to UNICEF, over 226 million people across East and Southern Africa lack access to basic drinking water services. Uganda is one of the countries hardest hit by this crisis, with approximately 27 million
people experiencing challenges accessing safe water.
With the Centenary Foundation’s timely intervention, students at St. Elizabeth Bunyangabo now enjoy consistent access to clean water. “With the donation, no student has to venture out in search of water anymore,” Sister Lynet noted, revealing a newfound stability and focus within the school environment.
Access to water has also allowed the school to promote agricultural education. “Now that we have water, we can irrigate our school gardens,” Sister Lynet added. This initiative not only supports the students’ learning experience but aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to encourage skill-building and sustainability.
Deputy Head Teacher Amanyire Godfrey reflects on the transformative changes that have occurred since the crisis was addressed. “After we received the tank from the Centenary Foundation, everything changed,” he recalled, reflecting on the school’s journey.
“We had a bank account with Centenary Bank, which allowed us to apply for funding back in 2013, and their support has been steadfast.”
The intervention by the Centenary Foundation at St. Elizabeth Bunyangabo School has not only resolved an immediate crisis but has rejuvenated a community of learners, empowering them to focus on their education and future prospects without the distractions of water scarcity. This success story exemplifies the powerful impact of partnerships in driving meaningful change in communities across Uganda.
The beneficiaries are now calling for more support. “We are thankful to Centenary Foundation but appeal for more support for water tanks to provide water to support both the boys, girls and the kitchen.”