© Far East Focus 2021
Shaluo Village Elementary School Water
The Shaluo school principal approached us a couple of years ago asking for
help with their water supply and we’re finally in a position to help. Some of our
sponsored high school students are from this village, so it’s nice to have that
connection.
This elementary school provides an education for about 300 students from the
surrounding village of over 1000 households. There’s an existing water supply
providing water to both the village homes and the school, but since the
school’s at the end of the pipeline, they never receive water. The existing
system is also in need of repair which exacerbates the situation.
As a result, the school cannot provide an adequate lunch for these students.
They can only provide some boiled eggs and boxed milk. At the same time,
the education department is constructing a new cafeteria building at the
school, but it doesn’t include a water supply. So, very little will change for the
students. Therefore, we installed a new, dedicated water supply for the
school.
The new supply comes from a mountain spring about 2 kilometers from the
school. We improved the spring and piped the water underground to a new
water storage tank on the hillside above the school. The water serves the
school kitchen, cafeteria, and hand wash stations. The result is that students
receive more nutritious meals and have clean water to drink.
Lack of Water
This village elementary school has had no water supply for years, so students
find water where they can. This leaky, temporary hose from a construction site
provides a little relief.
Water Storage
The water storage tank above the school limits water pressure, provides
reserve water, and protects the water supply. All the piping into and out of the
tank is underground and protected.
Sponsored Students
Several of our sponsored students were looking for income over the summer
so we hired them to help dig trenches for the water piping. They were glad to
help with this job close to their homes and enjoyed helping others in the
process.
Storage Tank
The storage tank is located on a hillside above the school. This location
provides adequate pressure for the school’s water supply. All the materials
were carried either in baskets or by horse to the site.
Manual Labor
These projects require much manual labor to carry the materials from the
roadside where they are delivered to the construction site. Distances vary
between just a few hundred meters to several kilometers.
Storage Tank Foundation
The storage tank is heavily reinforced to handle the weight of the water. The
entire system is designed and installed for years of service.
Rough Terrain
The pipe is routed through some rough terrain, so the construction crew must
carry and install materials in some hard to reach areas. These local residents
are accustomed to such hard work.
Trenching
The piping trench is dug deep enough so as to avoid damage from animals
and vandals. Digging can often be difficult through forested areas and rocky
terrain.
Materials Delivery
Piping being delivered to the work site several thousand meters up the valley.
