Home

Current Project

Clean water for St. Joseph's Academy

St. Joseph's Academy currently depends on rainwater catchment and bottled water. This project will help the school build a more dependable on-site source so daily school life can stay steady through every season.

Water project at St. Joseph's Academy

Why this matters

In the arid Kalawa area of Makueni County, dependable clean water requires careful planning. At St. Joseph's Academy, the school currently depends on rainwater catchment when rainfall is available and bottled water when stored rainwater is not enough. That approach helps meet immediate needs, but it can be difficult to sustain through dry periods. A more dependable on-site water source would support hygiene, daily school operations, and the school's wider mission of education, computer literacy, and library access.

Who it serves

The project supports 103 students at St. Joseph's Academy, along with staff and, over time, the wider school community.

Water target

The plan calls for a tested yield above 7,000 liters per hour so the school has a dependable source on site.

Preferred system

Solar power is the preferred option because it supports off-grid reliability and long-term sustainability.

Funding goal

We are working toward a fundraising range of about $15,000 to $20,000, including contingencies.

What the project includes

The plan is to work with a licensed Kenyan drilling firm to complete the water access buildout in about 30 working days once the project is ready to move forward.

  • Week 1-2: Complete a water-finding survey and secure required approvals.
  • Week 3-4: Drill a 150 to 200 meter borehole using a proven method for the region.
  • Week 5: Install casing, complete pump testing, and confirm water quality.
  • Week 6: Equip the site with a submersible pump and the chosen power system.

What this could make possible

Dependable on-site water could make daily school life more consistent, reduce disruptions during dry periods, and create stronger support for teaching and learning. It would also lessen the school's dependence on rainfall and purchased bottled water by adding a more sustainable long-term solution. Over time, the new supply could support school growth, health education, and community use connected to Kalawa Community Hall.

Impact at a glance

103 students would benefit from more dependable daily water access.
A stronger water supply would support handwashing, meals, and day-to-day school routines.
The project is designed to reduce dependence on bottled water during dry periods.

Budget snapshot

We share these numbers so donors can see how each gift helps move a real, practical project forward.

Survey and approvals$620Finds the best location and covers required paperwork.
Drilling and testing$8,540Covers the borehole, casings, pump test, and water analysis.
Pump and equipping$4,640Includes the pump, cables, controls, and meter.
Solar power upgrade$4,250Preferred option for stronger off-grid reliability.
Estimated total$15,000-$20,000Final cost depends on the survey, final depth, and the chosen power system.

Any remaining project-designated funds can support installation completion, maintenance, or related water access needs.

Gift impact examples

Donations are made through our general giving page, but these examples show how different gift amounts can help move the water project forward.

$50 can help cover early survey and planning costs.
$250 can support a meaningful portion of the drilling work.
$500 can help fund equipment needed for the pump and controls.
$1,000 can move the project closer to its preferred solar-powered setup.
Any gift helps build toward a more dependable water source for the school.
Donate to this fund

Every gift designated to this fund goes directly toward building a more dependable water source for St. Joseph's Academy.