Greetings Rotary enthusiasts and supporters of clean water initiatives!
We’re thrilled to bring you the latest scoop on Rotary Club of Gachie’s ongoing Global Grant project in the picturesque counties of Kisii, Nyamira, and Bomet. As we wrap up the final phase of this impactful initiative, it’s time to dig into the nitty-gritty of our monitoring and evaluation journey to see if our dreams of a healthier, more hygienic community are becoming a reality.
The M&E Drill-Down: Beyond the Basics
Monitoring and Evaluation, often overlooked in the rush of project execution, is our compass. It’s not just about counting heads or tallying expenses; it’s about understanding how our intervention evolves over time. Did we implement it effectively? Did we bridge the gap between planned and achieved results? Are the communities experiencing real behavior change? And, of course, the return on investment.
This is not a one-off affair; it’s a continuous process where data is our guiding star. We collect and compare, judge and assess, to determine the true worth and significance of every element of our program. It’s like a performance evaluation or an impact assessment, and we’re proud to share the results of our recent venture.
On the Ground: Rotary Club of Gachie’s Expedition
Between January 15th to 19th, 2024, our dedicated team braved the rainy Kisii weather to assess 26 schools and 50 healthcare facilities. Trust us; the temperature fluctuations were no walk in the park. But, as they say, every challenge is a story waiting to be told (stay tuned for our next event – you won’t want to miss the behind-the-scenes drama!).
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: the findings.
Findings: Making Waves in Water and Hygiene
Rainwater Harvesting: Most schools had functional facilities in place, doing their bit to harness the power of rain.
Water Quality: Thanks to efficient water filters, absenteeism due to waterborne diseases took a nosedive. Stomach issues, be gone!
Hygiene: Handwashing stations were not just a fancy addition; they were in use and making a difference.
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): Education on MHM was on point, and renovated ablution blocks now boast dedicated cubicles.
Recommendations: Paving the Way Forward
Continuous Training: Keep the hygiene and MHM education rolling in schools, involving parents and the Board of Management (BOM).
Strategic Water Placement: Position collected water strategically near sanitation facilities to boost handwashing culture efficiency.
Facility Cleanliness: Take the responsibility of sanitation facility cleanliness seriously – a clean space is a healthy space.
Cost-Effective Soaps: Explore cost-effective ways to produce soap for all handwashing stations.
WaSH Clubs: Let’s keep those WaSH clubs buzzing, utilizing them to spread the message of sanitation to students and teachers alike.
What’s Next?
These findings aren’t just for show; they’re the guiding light for the global grants committee as they plot the final steps of our Global Grant. We’re looking to wrap up this incredible journey in the first quarter of 2024, with learnings that will shape future WaSH projects throughout the year.
Stay tuned for our next update – the journey doesn’t end here!
Cheers to clean water, health, and community empowerment!
