Uganda Schools Programme

About the programme

Schoolchildren in rural Uganda spend hours fetching water from unsafe sources up to 2 km away. This affects their studies and water borne disease is widespread, costing families unwelcome additional medical expense.

Following a successful pilot project in Kayijja, WaterHarvest is continuing the schools programme in the Masaka district of Uganda. Since completion of the pilot project where 4 tanks were built, a further 29 were completed in 6 schools. We we are currently planning 14 more tanks in Phase 5 of the programme.

By installing roof rainwater harvesting tanks at the schools we aim to achieve safe drinking water, better health and more time in school with all the follow-on educational benefits

Data collected from the schools where tanks are already completed show a 30% increase in girls attendance and enrolment in the schools increased by an average of 25%.

‘The longtime problem of water at our school has been solved. We feel relieved from the long distances moved every morning and evening looking for water from the well in the swamp. We now have enough water for drinking, and washing. We are saving time and energy for our class time.’      Headteacher St Jude’s School, Kayijja, June 2023.