Prudential Uganda, working with Tusafishe, a local social enterprise, has successfully completed a project to provide clean drinking water to 71 schools across western and eastern Uganda. This eight-month effort, called the Prudential Climate and Health Resilience Fund, has changed the lives of over 119,562 students by giving them access to safe water.
The project, funded by Prudential’s community arm, the Prudence Foundation, installed 71 water purification systems in schools and 40 filters in homes. These systems provide thousands of liters of clean water daily, even in areas without electricity, making them perfect for remote communities.
Access to clean water is a big challenge in Uganda, where 38% of people still lack safe drinking water, according to UNICEF. Many schools rely on unsafe springs or streams, which can make students sick and cause them to miss school. A 2017 study showed that even a small lack of clean water can lead to children missing school days, hurting their education.
At a ceremony in Kamuli, Tetteh Ayitevie, CEO of Prudential Uganda, spoke about the importance of the project.
“Clean water makes everything easier. When kids are healthy, they can focus on learning,” he said. The project has helped students in districts like Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamuli, Mbale, and Sironko.
The initiative had three main goals: protect kids from waterborne diseases, teach communities about the environment, and create long-lasting solutions for health and the planet.
Henry Othieno, CEO of Tusafishe, said some schools were hard to reach, but they believe every child deserves clean water.
“Our expertise in water purification, combined with Prudential’s commitment to community, has allowed us to deliver systems that are not only effective but also sustainable,” Othieno said.
The project also trained students and 537 community members in 71 schools through Water and Environment Clubs. They learned how to care for the water systems and protect the environment.
Over 3,000 moringa and fruit trees were planted to improve nutrition and fight climate change.
