Piped water system brings in new possibilities at Lupane Primary School

By Leana Padera (Communications Graduate Intern)

For years, Lupane Primary School in Lupane District struggled to access safe water. Learners relied on a borehole that is more than one kilometre away, making everyday school life a challenge. 

But thanks to World Vision Zimbabwe, a groundbreaking change has transformed the school’s daily routines and opened up new opportunities for learners.

“Before this intervention, it was disastrous,” said Mr. Moyo, the school’s deputy head. 

“Learners used to spent more time outside the classroom fetching water. Some days, we were not able to clean the toilets properly, which exposed children to diseases and poor hygiene.”

The piped water system has brought immense possibilities. With water now readily available, the school has started a nutrition garden and a school feeding program, providing learners with one meal a day.

“None of this would have been possible without the piped water system,” said Mr. Moyo. 

“Now, we can grow vegetables, provide meals, and even generate a little income from the garden to support school activities.”

Today, 410 school children and 40 households in the surrounding community benefit from the piped water system, improving health, hygiene, and learning outcomes.

Learners are grateful for this impact:

“I am very happy to have water at our doorstep,” said a Grade 7 learner. 

“Before, we had to walk more than one kilometer just to fetch water.”

“I always look forward to having food at school because it helps me concentrate in class,” added another learner. “This is all thanks to the piped water system.”

Looking ahead, the school plans to expand the garden with more crops, further strengthen the feeding program, and upgrade classrooms and sanitation facilities so that every learner can learn in a clean, safe and supportive environment.

For the children and teachers at Lupane Primary School, the piped water system is more than just water. It is a source of health, hope, and opportunity, allowing learners to focus on school, stay healthy, and dream bigger for the future.