On World Water Day in March, we announced our 2025 Clean Water grant recipients, So They Can, for a project to bring a rainwater harvesting system to Milimani primary school in Kenya. Due to the rapid response of The White Feather Foundation community, our campaign goal was met within a week and the team in Africa was able to start construction almost immediately.
In April, the staff began the necessary steps to get the system installed, which included:
- The installation of gutters on all (10) designated classroom rooftops, which enables the efficient collection of rainwater. The system includes downpipes to channel water directly to the project’s clean water storage tanks.
- The construction of reinforced concrete slabs to support the project’s tanks, ensuring stability and durability of the water storage setup.
- Two large-capacity, water tanks were securely installed and connected to the gutter system. The tanks can store a total of 10,000 liters of water each.
- Two protective shades (metal/iron sheet roofs supported by steel) were constructed and placed above the water tanks to reduce exposure of the tanks to heat generated by sun, extend tanks’ lifespan, and maintain water quality.
Two accessible drinking water points were installed at the tanks. The water points are equipped with taps to ensure learners’ accessibility to clean and safe water. Additionally a drainage was constructed in order to prevent water stagnation.
Though the team was met with challenges along the way, such as heavy rains during the earliest phase of the project (which delayed gutter installation and slab curing) as well as supply chain delays, (where pipes, taps and tank connectors arrived later than expected), they pressed on and got the job done by the end of May.
Our partners at So They Can sent us reactions from the community:
“The installation of the rainwater harvesting system has greatly improved our school’s access to clean and safe water. Previously, our pupils had to depend on irregular county water supply, which came with utility costs incurred by the parents; this disrupted learning time and posed health risks. With the two 10,000-litre tanks, we can now collect and store enough water to meet our daily needs. The drinking water points have made a significant difference in hygiene and hydration, especially during hot days. This project has not only enhanced our learning environment but also educated our pupils on the importance of water conservation.”
“We are very happy because we no longer have to carry water to school or go back home to fetch it. Now, we can get clean water from the taps anytime we need to drink or wash our hands. We have also learned how to collect and save rainwater, which is very important for our farms and homes. Thank you for bringing us water!”
This new rainwater system serves 1110 students (early education, primary school and those with disabilities in the special learning unit) and 28 teachers, for a current beneficiary total of 1138 across the community, plus any parents or guests of the school who may visit.
We sincerely thank the members of The Ripple (our monthly donor program for Clean Water projects), those who made one-time donations, and those who spread the word about the campaign when we first launched. This is a life-changing addition to their school community in Kenya that will make a world of difference in the years’ to come.
All photos used with permission, courtesy of So They Can.
To become a member of The Ripple monthly program and donate to future Clean Water projects, start here.
This is so wonderful. Having safe drinking water is the kindest thing to bestow upon to/for people. Your kindness is truly a blessing from God. Thank you for your love and caring to these beautiful children. It warms my heart to see such happiness. God bless your fantastic foundation. Peace, Love and Joy always. 😊🙏💙🌏💙