Rainwater harvesting system solves water woes of school-children ensuring continuity of education  

A long 2km journey for basic water needs hinders education

The problem of water scarcity has had a significant impact on the daily lives of the students and teachers at the school. The months of March and April are particularly challenging, as the shortage of water had become increasingly pronounced. This shortage of water has forced the students to undertake long journeys up to 2km with big buckets to access the nearest water source, just to meet their basic needs such as drinking and washing their hands. This not only caused inconvenience but also puts their health and safety at risk. The school, too, had struggled to provide an adequate water supply for its students, leading to water wastage. The school’s inability to meet the water needs of its students highlighted the severity of the water scarcity issue and the urgent need for a sustainable solution. The problem had a significant impact not only on the daily operations of the school but also on the education and health of the students, particularly in terms of girls’ hygiene during their menstrual cycles. It was imperative that a solution be found to address the water scarcity issue at the school and ensure a reliable water supply for the students and teachers which will help to improve the quality of life and education for all those involved and create a more sustainable future for the school and the community.

Installation of Rainwater harvesting system

In an effort to tackle the pressing issue of water scarcity, the Aga Khan agency in partnership with LTHE and the local school has taken a proactive approach by implementing a rainwater harvesting system. This innovative solution involves the installation of a filtration system that is attached to the storage unit, effectively enhancing the conservation of water till the month of May and improved quality of water collected from the roof top. In addition to the intervention, the school for maintenance and development themselves have also installed pipelines to create a new hand wash basin that is connected to the roof water system. This connection enables the school to conserve water and minimize waste by using taps instead of
using hand pumps. The implementation of this system has been a collaborative effort between all stakeholders who are playing a crucial role in its maintenance. Through active participation and engagement in the upkeep of the rainwater harvesting system, the school has been successful in reducing water wastage, creating awareness in children, and making a positive impact on the environment.

Increased attendance and hygiene parameters

The implementation of a rainwater harvesting system has brought about a notable and positive change to both the school and the local village community. The rainwater harvesting system has significantly improved the quality of water available, allowing the school to effectively maintain its water supply up until the end of May and use it for handwashing, drinking and flushing purposes.

Moreover, the implementation of this system has also instilled a valuable lesson in water conservation to its students. Through their involvement in the maintenance of the rainwater harvesting system, the students have developed an understanding of the importance of conserving water, leading to a reduction in water wastage. In adopting this sustainable approach to water security, it has not only provided a reliable source of water for its own use, but it has also served as an excellent educational tool for the students, who are now equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives. The school’s integration of the students and teachers in the maintenance of the rainwater harvesting system has made the initiative a community effort, further emphasizing the importance of working together to promote sustainable development.

Another stellar example of tackling water scarcity

The agency’s proactive approach to implementing a rainwater harvesting system has made a significant and positive impact on water security in the village. By collecting and storing rainwater, the school has received helped to mitigate the effects of water scarcity and ensure a sustainable supply of water for the community. The system is simple and cost-effective, making it an accessible solution for communities and schools looking to address water scarcity issues. The successful implementation of the rainwater harvesting system at the school has demonstrated its effectiveness in providing a reliable source of water and improving water security for the village. This has also promoted sustainable water management practices, by reducing the dependency on ground and surface water sources, which are often over-exploited. The system is environmentally friendly, as it reduces runoff and helps to recharge groundwater aquifers. In conclusion, the school’s initiative in implementing a rainwater harvesting system has been highly beneficial in addressing water scarcity issues and promoting sustainable water management practices. The beneficiary advocates for other communities and schools to follow suit and adopt similar systems to ensure a secure and sustainable water supply for future generations.