The Don Bosco Oratory in the village of Kabgayi, in Muhanga District, has just completed a water project that provides for the drilling of a new well and the installation of an electric pump and a tank to store water. The new well provides water for the young people who participate in the activities of the oratory and also for the local people who suffer from scarcity of water.
The construction of wells to supply drinking water is a priority for all the communities who hope to "reduce the number of children who get sick and even die because of lack of hygiene and drinking water".
With half the population under 18 years, the lack of educational opportunities is a real concern. Half of the children who start primary school do not complete it and they face a future of unemployment or precarious jobs. For this reason "access to clean water is essential for life and gives dignity to the children themselves and the families we serve in our programmes," say the Salesians in Rwanda.
Moreover, the improvement of water and sanitation facilities ensures that teachers and students can work and learn in an environment that promotes good hygiene by reducing the number of waterborne diseases.
