LIONESS AND HER CUBS.FREE WATER FOR ELEPHANTS.Impact of Water Project In Iltilal, a village right at the border of Tsavo Park in Kenya, dictated by the sight of dry land, cows and goats grazing, some taking cover from the scorching sun under the acacia trees. Life in the village is a constant negotiation with nature, always hoping for rainfall, unfortunately, drought was affecting most parts of Kenya. The villagers, resourceful in their challenges, dug a water hole to tap into clean water, a lifeline in the midst of drought. This water hole was dug at the only secondary school in the area, Iltilal Mixed Secondary School. However, the water was too little for everyone’s use, and in most cases, it would be dirty. Open for all to access, both wild animals and people. A hole, dug by the villagers to access clean water, had became a lifeline and an unexpected challenge. For the villagers, it was always normal to see wild animals coming to drink water from the hole. However, the students and the villagers were always keen, keeping some distance from the hole or seeking safety in case a wild animal showed up unaware. Occasional sight of debris of fallen twigs and dead animals that had gotten stuck in the hole and some instances, the water would completely dry out. In a quest for water during a severe drought, a lioness and her two cubs went to drink water from the hole. Sadly, the cubs found themselves trapped in the depths of the pit. Fortunately, the hole was dry. For two days or so the lioness was heard crying from the bushes. Creating an unsettling tension among the students. The lioness, despite being known for their fearsome reputation, this particular lioness remained rooted near a particular bush, refusing to abandon her post. Concerned for the welfare of both the students and the wildlife, the principal swiftly contacted the Kenya Wildlife Federation officers responsible for safeguarding the park's animals. With unwavering dedication, the officers mobilized, equipped with tranquilizers with a goal of rescuing the distressed cubs. The weakened state of the young cubs indicated days of starvation and thirst. The lioness all this while still in the bushes waiting on her cubs. Accustomed to living with wildlife now and then, the principal extended a gesture of goodwill. A goat was slaughtered and water was offered to the lioness and her cubs not long after waking up. Shortly after, the lioness and the cub peacefully wandered off toward the national park. The marvels of nature. A unique harmony exists between the villagers of Iltilal and the wildlife from Tsavo National Park. This was a great driving force towards drilling a borehole at the secondary school. An initiative that has benefited the school, the community, and the wildlife that unknowingly wanders into human territory. This would not have been possible without the support of the people of Lexington, words can’t describe how grateful we are, the villagers of Iltilal are indebted to you. THANK YOU, AMERiCA!
Lion Cubs Fell In The Well
Elephant Looking For Food
Principal Distributing The Water For The Animals
Impact of Water Project With the help of the generous donations made by the people of America,
One Student One book One dream movement was able to facilitate the drilling of a borehole that would act as a source of
water for the people of Iltilal. This borehole has acted as a symbol of unity, quenching
the village's thirst and nurturing a thriving ecosystem, where each drop of water carries
the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
The existence of this borehole at Iltilal Village has been of great benefit to the school.
The students are now freed from the daunting chore of having to look for water for use
at the school. Additionally, the principal has been able to save on the cost of buying
water which would be delivered using a donkey.
With a population of over 300 kids, this water would not be enough to sustain the
students whereby some are boarders in the school.
With the coming of a new dawn, the principal embarked on a new venture, one which
at one point only seemed a dream; farming. The available vast pieces of land that
were at some point staying idle due to drought are now being put to good use. They
are now planting beans, kale, tomatoes, and fruits. With the availability of water, the
school has now become a hub of innovation, fostering a healthier community and a
great catalyst for hygiene awareness.
Consequently, this has motivated the principal to strategize on reducing the school
fees for the students.
In return, this will make the school admission easier for new students to the school at
Iltilal village.This will inspire more kids to enroll in the school, an action that was
almost becoming impossible due to the hard state of living.
On top of that, animal drinking points have been set up so that any wildlife that
wanders off searching for drinking water will not cross paths with the villagers.
Elephants, giraffes, zebras as well as other fierce wild animals come to these drinking
points, creating a harmonious co-existence between humans and animals. One Student One Dream is working together with local communities
to transform the lives of those who can’t access two important basic commodities water
and education. Gratitude goes who have supported our cause.
THANK YOU, AMERiCA!