Clean Water for School Children
Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.
As part of Palmera’s water and sanitation post emergency development focus, Palmera has undertaken the reconstruction of a well at a local school in Malayalapuram, Killinochchi. Around 100 students attending the school have had no access to safe drinking water, resulting in chronic illness and hampering the children’s ability to learn.The reconstruction, which was completed in August 2012, provides the children with a safe source of drinking water so they can attend school and effectively engage in education.
BACKGROUND
In its original state, the school well was unusable and a very unsafe area for the students. The children relied on rivers, streams and other unprotected water sources for their drinking water. Even at home, these children often do not have access to clean drinking water. Lack of access to safe drinking water has meant that the children are often contracting water borne illnesses. There are no doctors in the village itself, so these illnesses can seriously impact the children health and access to education. It has also impacted the health of approximately 12 surrounding families who currently do not have access to clean water.
THE BENEFITS
- Provides safe drinking water to around 100 children attending the school , and to 12 neighbouring households
- Provides water all year round, including in the dry season (the well is approximately 47 feet deep)
- Reduces water borne illnesses
- Provides a very safe area for children
- Increases student attendance in schools
- Improves the health and wellbeing of surrounding families who currently do not have any access to clean water
- Supports local employment as skilled labourers from the local village were employed to complete the reconstruction, providing a source of income and enhancing the labourers’ skill sets.
The reconstructed well will now be managed and maintained by the local school. Palmera has ensured that the school has been provided with the appropriate training and information to upkeep the well in good condition.
