One year after the completion of Nanyanje School’s Blossom Project, the transformation is clear. With the new private sanitation facilities for girls, attendance has improved, dropout rates have decreased, and academic success has soared—showing the lasting power of investing in girls’ education.
Revisit Date: October 7, 2024
Dedication: Brian and Joelle Kelly Family Foundation
Completion Date: September 14, 2023
Location:
School: Nanyanje Primary School
District: Mangochi
Country: Malawi
GPS Location: See bottom of page.
Stories / Quotes:
Students:
- 2021 (before well): 357 boys, 392 girls = 749 total students
- 2022 (after well): 401 boys, 415 girls = 815 total students
- 2023: 425 boys, 438 girls = 863 total students
- September 2024 (after Blossom Project): 443 girls, 442 boys = 875 total students
In 2023, Water Wells for Africa (WWFA) launched its first-ever Blossom Project at Nanyanje School, marking a new chapter in the fight for clean water, sanitation, and education for young girls. The initiative, designed to provide safe and private sanitation facilities for young females, aimed to address a critical barrier to girls’ education: the lack of proper hygiene infrastructure.
One year later, in 2024, we returned to see the impact—and what we found was nothing short of extraordinary. The facilities still looked brand new, evidence of the community’s commitment to maintenance and care. The school was thriving, with attendance rates soaring, dropout rates plummeting, and a remarkable 100% graduation rate. Student retention had significantly improved, proving that access to clean water and sanitation was more than just a necessity—it was a catalyst for lasting change.
WWFA President Kurt Dahlin asked about the impact on the girls. The Matron of Nanyanje School proudly shared, “Yeah, we are so excited. The girls are doing better. Many use it—if they have their period, they use these toilets. So they go there and wash in there. It keeps the girls in school. We are proud of this.”
The results speak for themselves. Girls who once faced the difficult choice of missing school due to inadequate facilities now have a safe and reliable place to manage their hygiene. They are attending school consistently, performing better academically, and staying in school longer. The cycle of missed opportunities is breaking, replaced by a future filled with promise and potential.
The first Blossom Project has not only succeeded—it has set a powerful precedent for future initiatives. The impact of clean water and proper sanitation extends far beyond health; it empowers, uplifts, and transforms entire communities. Nanyanje School is proof that when we invest in girls’ education, we invest in a brighter future for all.
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