See our previous trips: 2009 - - 2010

 

Partnering in Education and Aid for Kenya (PEAK) 2011

In September 2011, Rich Fisher and Debbie Welden, co-leaders of the 2010 team trip to Kenya, returned to Meru to conduct follow-up on the projects initiated in 2010, including:

- Dedication of the completed Water Tank at Rwanyange Primary School
- Dedication of the computer lab and new latrine at Kithoca Primary School
- Analyzing and measuring the impact of the projects at both schools
- Further networking and planning with Kenya partners
- Determining future projects

We performed a qualitative test on the filtered and unfiltered water at both Rwanyange School and Kithoka School and found no pathogens in the filtered water, while the raw river water poured into the filters was rife with pathogens. More important, the clean water brought by these filtershas resulted in far fewer water-born illnesses and thus greater attendance at school by both the students and the teachers, as well as improved test scores on national exams.

Our objective continues to be establishing a partnership with the recipient Kenyans whereby they significantly contribute to the project that benefits them. While in Kenya in September, we identified two very small rural communities near Meru that would benefit by having clean water. Future projects will include working with these two schools to help provide clean water and other needed assistance.

The Rwanyange students performed this poem at the tank dedication.

How pleasant it is! How happy are we, As we look behind our classrooms, Up in the air we go flying, As we celebrate the structure, The structure for our good health. Oh, what a joyous day it is!	I can recall the past days, Past days having no water in the compound, Carrying water jars from far was our daily routine. But now, we can smile, Smiling for the old has passed, Oh! What a pleasant day it is.
I can jump high, Up in the air and over the wall, ‘Til I can see so wide, so wide and deep, Our water storage tank, The tank to cater for our thirst Oh, what a beautiful day it is!	What can we say to our friends, Our donors from America? As we enjoy taking clean and enough water, Having nothing to give, we join hands as we say, "MAY GOD BLESS THEM." Thank you.