Fair Adventure Primary School in Ward 2 of Hwedza District struggled with persistent water shortages that impacted hygiene, gardening, and the school feeding program. With 280 learners, both students and teachers had to fetch water from distant and often unsafe sources, affecting education and health. In 2024, the SOS Children’s Villages Family Strengthening Program (SOSCVFSP) in Hwedza, funded by Poland, installed a solar-powered water scheme that has completely transformed the school and surrounding community.
Before this intervention, the situation was dire. Teachers and learners had to prioritize water collection before focusing on their educational responsibilities. The school’s headmaster, Mr. Zengeza, recalls the distressing reality. “Some days, teachers had to walk long distances to fetch water just to prepare meals for the children under the school feeding scheme,” he said. “After a long day of teaching, they would still need to search for water, and many qualified teachers avoided the school due to these challenges.” The lack of a reliable water source hindered the school’s ability to retain staff and attract new learners, as families sought better facilities elsewhere.
Recognizing the urgent need, SOS Children’s Villages in Zimbabwe Family Strengthening Program funded by Poland stepped in with a sustainable solution. “A safe water source was part of our school development plan, but we lacked the funding to make it a reality. That is when SOSCVFSP intervened,” explained Mr. Zengeza. The organization assessed the situation and implemented a solar-powered water system, which now provides the school with a steady supply of clean and safe water. In addition to the water scheme, SOSCVFSP also fenced a 5,000-square-meter area, enabling the school to establish a nutrition garden that contributes to a sustainable income-generating activity (IGA).
The water system comprises ten solar panels, a 5kV solar system, a two-horsepower water pump, and two water tanks, each with a capacity of 5,000 litres. One tank is installed within the schoolyard, while the other provides water to the teachers’ houses. With a total investment of USD $12,750, this initiative not only provides water but also supports 15 vulnerable children by covering their school fees from Grade 5 through to the end of their primary education.
The impact of the solar piped water scheme has been profound. The school’s feeding program is now running efficiently, ensuring that learners receive healthy cooked meals daily. “We are now able to provide garden produce for the feeding scheme and maintain proper hygiene, as we have enough water for handwashing and cleaning our ablution facilities,” said Mr. Zengeza. With improved sanitation, the risk of waterborne diseases has significantly decreased, benefiting both the learners and the community at large.
Beyond the school, the surrounding community has also experienced a dramatic improvement in their quality of life. Previously reliant on unsafe water sources, families can now access clean water from the school, reducing illness and improving overall well-being. The development committee at Fair Adventure Primary School is already planning further enhancements. With water now readily available, the school aims to establish modern sanitation facilities, including water-system toilets and girl-friendly amenities.
The transformation of Fair Adventure Primary School is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and targeted funding. Once plagued by water shortages, the school has emerged as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how strategic investments can drive sustainable development. This Poland-funded solar-powered water scheme has not only changed the lives of learners and teachers but has also uplifted an entire community, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future.