April 23, 2025
Oloile Primary: A Ripple Effect Two Years Later
Oloile Primary School sits in the southern arid region of rural Kenya, with a school population that once stood at 480 students and a surrounding community of about 1,000 members. Previously, the school and community relied on a seasonal river for their water source, located about 3 kilometers away. When the river would run dry, families had no choice but to purchase this scarce resource from vendors—a difficult and expensive burden for this low-income community. The water they consumed was often highly contaminated, leading to years of waterborne illnesses, unhygienic practices, malnutrition among young children, and low attendance in school.
But the narrative for this community took a monumental shift “from lacking… to water filled and fulfilled” thanks to our partnership with the Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys in drilling a new well. The water system became a catalyst for unity, improving hygiene and allowing school attendance to thrive. Happier, healthier children and a hopeful, productive community became the new norm.
Happier, healthier children and a hopeful, productive community became the new norm.
In Oloile—home to the Maasai people, known for their deep hospitality—the excitement over clean water sparked a community celebration. Under the shade of a large acacia tree, more than 700 people gathered for a surprise ceremony organized by the school. Adorned in vibrant traditional attire, they sang, chanted, danced, and shared their joy. Local leaders spoke about the transformative power of the water system, and students performed skits highlighting how water scarcity had previously affected their learning. Our team was honored with intricate beaded jewelry and warmly welcomed as part of the Oloile family.
This community, like so many others we’ve partnered with, left an indelible mark on our hearts. It was the first time our entire team—both U.S. and Kenya-based—were together on-site for a project. From long drives down dusty roads to shared meals and collaborative trainings, we experienced incredible unity. The well drilling, which took place just a few hundred yards from the primary school, proved to be one of our most high-yielding boreholes to date.
Now, two years later, the Ripple Effect of clean water continues to unfold in extraordinary ways.
The school population has grown significantly—from around 400 students to over 600. The availability of water has allowed the school to start its own feeding program, no longer reliant on outside organizations. They now grow much of their own food using the borehole water, reinforcing self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Beyond education, the community has planted over 2,500 trees since gaining access to water, a major step in combating desertification and improving the environment. Economically, the original water kiosk has evolved into a small shop where community members can purchase household goods while collecting water—providing employment for a local woman and offering her the opportunity to earn a living.
The broader impact is just as moving. With water now accessible year-round, the once devastating dry seasons no longer claim the lives of livestock. One herder shared that his cows now drink twice daily—something that would’ve been considered an unattainable luxury in the past.
With a growing student body, The Nobelity Project stepped in to help build additional classrooms, supporting the school as it continues to grow. The Headteacher, now seen as a thought leader in the region, has been contacted by other schools hoping to emulate Oloile’s remarkable transformation. The school’s performance has already risen by over 10 points—an achievement that speaks to what’s possible when basic needs are met.
Not only was this experience so rewarding for the entire team, but this borehole turned out to be one of the highest yielding boreholes that Well Aware has implemented to date and we are so excited about how much impact the water will continue having on the community! Oloile has become a model for what’s achievable when water is made accessible. It stands as a beacon of resilience, self-determination, and what’s possible when people come together with a shared mission.