Health and Water Foundation - HWF

About HWF

Health and Water Foundation (HWF) is Kenyan Non-Government Organization. Health and Water Foundation's core activities focus on Water and Environmental Sanitation (WES). However, in response to many requests for support from the communities we interact with, HWF has expanded its focus to include integrated community development, support for the disabled, orphans and people suffering from HIV/AIDS. Although Health and Water Foundation is a national NGO at present it is primarily active in Western and Nyanza provinces of Kenya and also in Isiolo District in Eastern Province.

The Health and Water Foundation's modus operandi is through directly managed field projects and supporting (and building capacity of) community-based organizations (CBOs) so as to strengthen their participation in resolving issues that affects their lives. The HWF uses Water and Environmental Sanitation (WES) as a vehicle to rally communities to address wider community issues that are related to poverty. The ultimate goal/objective is to improve the living conditions (poverty alleviation) of the most disadvantaged people in Kenya and this can be done by building strong and democratic CBO structures that can act as conduits for sustainable WES service delivery.

Programs in the pipeline include protection of natural water springs which are the primary sources of water for rural communities, provision of scholarships to academically bright children especially girls from the Somali speaking North Eastern province where illiteracy among women is 94% compared to the national average of 51%, support to families affected by HIV/AIDS and income generating initiatives for the poor and vulnerable groups.

What is HWF?

The Health and Water Foundation (HWF) is a Not for Profit and Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) registered in Kenya with the NGO Coordination Bureau under the NGO Act of 1997. HWF was established in 2003 and holds the registration certificate No. OP 218/051/2003/2729 dated 17th July 2003. It has two key divisions: Health Division and Water and Sanitation Division. Membership of HWF is made up of several community based organizations (CBOs), institutions and individuals. The CBOs are the channels through which we identify the health, water and sanitation problems in rural areas. HWF has its main office in Nairobi from which it coordinates all its programs. Project field offices are established when and if needed.

"This website brings you a summary of the Health and Water Foundation services and projects at the right time. It will give you more information on what you expect from the organization. One thing is sure: Water has NO substitute. For poverty eradication, HWF carries out Integrated programs and also because of the needs of the community that we serve. The biggest challenge that is facing the sector and also the professionals is access to safe drinking water and proper sanitary services. HWF is endeavoring to address this challenge with the support and collaboration from willing donors.I wish to extend my sincere gratitude and those of the organization to all partners and Donors who have supported HWF projects to deliver the required services to the most needy people of the Republic of Kenya.


It is my since hope that we will continue in this collaboration to add value to the poor with an effort to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

The Call

Are you willing and able to join hands in delivering these basic needs to the most poor people of the republic of Kenya, HWF is ready and willing to collaborate and deliver the services to the poor at a cost effective manner and efficiently.

WASH

The Girl Child Education & Development

Education for girls is key and central to the aims of HWF. We are committed to future generations of children. In addition to improved child welfare, other social benefits for girls’ education include; increased family incomes, a later age of marriage and greater opportunities and life choices for women (including empowerment to protect themselves against HIV/ AIDS), greater participation of women in political, social and economic decision making.
The education of girls is an investment in education for all children, for early childhood care and adolescent well being. Education for girls helps families, communities and societies to escape from poverty on a massive scale.
Mathematics and science are arguably the most empowering of the subjects as they are key to the promotion of hygiene, healthy behavior and well paying the best jobs depend on them.  HWF is focusing its resources in 3 areas:

1. Reducing the number of girls out of school.
2. Improving quality, and girl child motivation in mathematical and scientific subjects.
3. Ensuring progress in learning achievement for all rural Kenya children.

What Hinders Girls’ Full Participation in Education & Achievements in Kenya?Studies done in Nyanza and Western Provinces of Kenya identified the following obstacles;

Poor access to water during drought, which means that girls are withdrawn from school to help their mothers to fetch water and doing home chores. Schools are not child or girl friendly. The learning process is often not participatory. Lack of school satisfaction, especially since a significant number of adolescents are in primary school, Early marriage/ female circumcision, Lack of Books and Libraries, Lack of or inadequate water and sanitary facilities at school:

1. School toilets are inadequate.
2. Pupils hygiene practices constitute a health hazard.
3. Water and hand washing facilities are lacking.
4. Toilet maintenance and proper use of it is lacking.

Sanitation & hygiene are critical for quality education. Although the Government of Kenya has shown its commitment quality education for girls, a coordinated national program is needed."