Water harvesting improves school time for Kamuli pupils

Many children in rural schools walk long distances in search of water, an activity that is affecting their concetration in school...Canada-Africa Schools Partnership (CASP), a volunteer organisation, is moving to address the problem... Mr Moses Isabirye Lyagoba, the coordinator of the programme says they have started a school resource analysis programme where they will empower head teachers and community people on using the available resources to feed the children and empower the community.

The organisation is helping rural schools and households harvest rain water to enable them irrigate their farms during long droughts as well to keep clean water close to the family. The time families spend looking for water affects the economic activities of parents as well as the education pursuits of children. “We are going to give them functional technology to help them collect running rain water and also turn it into a sustainable venture” Mr Lyagoba says.

He says the water can be used to water plants during dry seasons and for domestic work. Mr Lyagoba says most children in rural schools tend to arrive late for classes, and in the evening, spend a lot more time looking for water which affects their studies because they are fatigued. He adds that their parents too, are trapped in the same cycle during the dry seasons, however, with harvesting running rain water, it would keep them going for months until the next rain season.

Mr Lyagoba says educationists have observed that water is as important to children as qualified teachers and books. He says, “The distance these children move to get clean water exposes them to more dangers, coupled with failing to concentrate in school”... He says water and sanitation are some of the most pressing public health challenges in Uganda’s primary schools. Educational achievement is one of the most important determinants of health, life expectancy, economic productivity and the wellbeing of future generations.

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