Dedication: Brian and Joelle Kelly Family Foundation in honor of Michael Kelly

Installation Date: April 8, 2024

Location:
Village: Mapundu
District: Machinga
Country: Malawi

GPS Location:  See bottom of page.

Stories / Quotes:

Students: 992 learners

Challenges Before the Water Well

  • Water Source Issues:
    • The only water source was a shallow well 500 meters away. While it had a pump, the water was salty and undrinkable.
    • The well belonged to the community, so students were not given priority for water access, often delaying their return to classes.
  • Disruptions to Learning:
    • Students had to wait for villagers to collect water first, which led to delays in starting classes.
    • Absenteeism was common, as some students would go home after fetching water and not return to class, impacting their learning.
  • Hygiene Issues:
    • It was difficult to enforce hygiene with the previous water source, as students often had to wait in long lines, resulting in fights.
    • Limited access to water meant students and families were late for school, affecting their overall productivity and well-being.

Impact of the New Water Well

  • Access to Water:
    With the new well on-site, students now have priority access to water. They can draw water anytime, keeping water available for classrooms and ensuring hygiene practices are maintained.
  • Improved Hygiene:
    • Students can wash their hands after using the toilet, and mopping is much easier with water available nearby.
  • Positive Impact on Learning:
    • The school can now maintain better hygiene and focus on teaching without interruptions caused by water-fetching.
    • With reliable access to water, absenteeism has decreased, and students are now attending class more regularly.
  • Gratitude from the Community:
    The teachers and learners of Mapundu School are incredibly thankful for the generosity of the Brian and Joelle Kelly Family Foundation and for the continued support from Water Wells for Africa.

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