Benga parish lies to the east of Nkhotakota district in Malawi. The area is adversily challenged with deforestation and constrained water resources. Parents and children walk long distances to access water points.
In some instances, community members draw an safe water in rivers and wells which have health implications. Children absentism in Nkhotakota Schools was high as children could spent long time on the queue to access and draw water.
In addition, some Schools did not have boreholes thus affecting the in School feeding program and lowered hygiene and sanitation.
MCSPA through engagement of community members, head teachers, teachers’ advisors, district education managers together; identified the needs of granting safe and clean water to communities and Schools around Benga parish.
Water is life and a recipe for smooth running of MCSPA in School feeding program. efficient and effective delivery of the in School feeding program, MCSPA has complemented the feeding program in Schools by drilling Boreholes. Kacheula School plus 8 other Schools have clean water now. Quality and clean water in its entirety for an integral part and development of Schools and the communities.
The community has the ownership of the boreholes and through their financial contribution manage to maintain the boreholes and are trained in WASH program to heighten hygiene and sanitation in Schools.
P. Steven Ochieng
MCSPA
