The students of Ogiek Kwanza have asked for your help. Join us in the mission to bring safe, reliable water to their school and community
In 2009, thousands of indigenous Ogiek people were displaced from their homes in the Mau Forest by the Kenyan governmnet. Since being allowed to return to their native home, they have faced major challenges rebuilding their community. For the past five years, EWBBU has been working with the community to bring clean water to local primary and secondary schools.
Today, the Ogiek Kwanza Secondary School still lacks to two essentials: a clean and sufficient water supply and access to technology. Our current project will implement a borehole at the school, where 6,000 families struggle with daily water shortages. Students, especially the daughters of households, are forced to walk upwards of 6-8 km a day to reach a water source. On the way, they often facing serious risks, like sexual violence, leading to teen pregnancies and educations cut short. Their current water sources include shallow wells or springs that are often contaminated. As climate change extends the dry season, the need for a reliable water source has never been more urgent.
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The current water source used by the Ogiek-Kwanza community is shallow, unreliable, and dries after two weeks of no rain. With a dry season that lasts months and is only becoming less predictable with climate change, a new solution is needed.
In addition to the water crisis, Ogiek Kwanza Secondary School lacks access to the digital tools essential for a modern education. Without computers or experience using them, students are cut off from opportunities in technology, engineering, and global learning. This digital divide limits their academic growth and future career prospects in an increasingly connected world.
This summer, our team travelled to Tinet, Kenya to drill a borehole for the community. With Horizon Drilling LTD, a local contracting company, we drilled 175 meters into the ground to access the permanent aquifer, a clean, sustainable source of water.
The drilling of the borehole was successful, revealing a supply of ~3,000 liters of water every hour; however, the community cannot yet access this supply until our team returns to install the solar-powered pumping and filtration system. To make this next phase become a reality, we conducted water, soil, and pump tests that will guide us in designing the most effective system possible. But, your contribution will be what truly allows us to return next year to bring water to the community!
Your donation helps us bring safe, reliable water to the Ogiek-Kwanza School Community via a truly sustainable system. EWB-BU is not just drilling a borehole, we are constructing a lasting solution. By pairing construction with hands-on education in maintenance, we will empower the community to manage and sustain their water system for generations to come.
The solar-powered, motorized borehole will provide reliable water access and is located centrally so students no longer have to walk up to 8 km each day. Every dollar brings us closer to a future where clean water is not a privilege, but a guarantee. Where education can be the focus, not seeking water.
This year, our team also brought 19 computers to the Ogiek Kwanza Secondary School. With the help of James Goebel and the BU Engineering IT Department, these computers were collected from around Boston University, refurbished, and equipped with tools that open up a wide range of opportunities, such as learning programming, working with spreadsheets, and connecting classroom lessons to online simulations to enhance understanding and application.
These are essential skills that can open doors to higher education and future careers in technology and innovation. Many of these students had never seen a computer before and now have the opportunity to build digital literacy and gain the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Your donation also supports our mission to bring technology to the Ogiek-Kwanza school community in Tinet, Kenya. Next year, the school plans to switch to a computer based education system and offer computer courses for all students. We will continue collecting and refurbishing computers for the school, so that the school can begin this program next year with enough computers for each student in a class. With your help, we’re not just providing access to technology, we are investing in the future of a generation.
Future engineers, doctors, and leaders
Joyline is a dedicated student in the final year of secondary school with dreams of becoming a doctor. She's especially passionate about chemistry and biology, subjects that inspire her future goals.
Collin is in the final year of his secondary schooling. His favorite subjects are mathematics and physics, and he hopes to become an engineer to design solutions for real-world challenges.
Emmanuel is in his last year of secondary schooling with a passion for mathematics and chemistry. He hopes to become a mathematics lecturer, inspiring future students.
Engineers Without Borders at Boston University
EWB Boston University is a non-profit, student-led humanitarian aid organization dedicated to creating sustainable engineering solutions that address real-world challenges in underserved communities. Each project we undertake is made possible by the generosity of people like you.
Your constant support is the only way our projects become a reality. Help us change the world together by donating today!
Every dollar helps to bring these life-changing resources to the Ogiek Kwanza community. Please consider donating and sharing to help our mission in ensuring a clean and sufficient water supply accessible to all.
