ST. BERNARD'S OTARO
SECONDARY HIGH SCHOOL
We raised $33,127 for six 10,000-liter water roof catchment tank systems, 8 boys bathrooms, 8 girls bathrooms, and community garden fencing. This project helped 509 students, 25 teachers, and 14 support staff to enhance their school experience.
LETTER of APPRECIATION from FAITH FLOVIANCE, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
On behalf of St Bernard’s Otaro students in general and girls in particular, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to you for remembering our school.
For a long time girls had issues with their sanitation and hygiene as the bathroom had been very unhygienic. Presently bathing is very enjoyable thanks to your organization for constructing a descent bathroom.
Initially the girls only had three latrines and this caused time wastage in the morning as we had to line up by the latrines but presently the increased number of toilets has enabled us to follow school programs without hitches.
We no longer have many cases of stomach and other related ailments due to the increased number of water tanks in the school. We are nowadays sure of getting clean drinking water in the school. We are indeed grateful for the water tanks you donated to the school.
The kitchen garden enables us to enjoy very fresh vegetables and spices in the school, most of us had never even seen spinach but thanks to the garden we have not only seen spinach but also tasted it.
We are immensely appreciative and our prayer is that you may be blessed abundantly as you continue with the same spirit.
THANK YOU.
FAITH FLOVIANCE, student at St. Benard's Otaro High School
BACKGROUND OF 2017 SCHOOL PROJECT
St. Bernard’s Otaro Secondary High School was started by the community under the sponsorship of the Catholic Church in 1999. It is located in the community within West Karachuonyo area of Kenya, about 21 km from Lake Victoria. There are eleven classrooms in three blocks, one administration building, one laboratory, one computer lab, four dormitories, five on-site houses for teachers, and four toilets. The school uses donkey carts to fetch water from a nearby pond. The boys and girls fetch their own water after school every day. During rainy days, they use water from the shallow ponds on the school property. There are currently 293 boys and 216 girls, totaling 509 students. The school has 25 teachers (16 live at the school) and 14 support staff. Although the school is relatively young, it has attracted many students because they have achieved striking results in the fourth year school exams.
SIGNIFICANT NEED IDENTIFIED
There were long lines for both boys and girls to use the latrines—three for 293 boys and one for 216 girls.
There were no bathrooms to maintain good hygiene for the girls, water catchment systems at the school, nor a community garden to provide healthful food for the students and staff.