Nyatsini High School: From Water Scarcity to a Brighter Future

Nyatsini High School, located in the rural Shiselweni region of Eswatini, used to struggle daily with a severe lack of water. For years, the school relied on a nearby river to meet its water needs. This meant that classes had to be paused regularly so students could fetch water from the river, about 30 minutes away. The situation was particularly challenging during the summer rains when the river would become dirty and unsafe to use.

The impact on the school was significant. When the river was too contaminated or dried up, the school couldn't prepare meals under the Zondle, which is a school feeding programme. This left students hungry and unable to concentrate, affecting their health and academic performance. The lack of a reliable water source was a major barrier to learning and well-being.

All this changed when World Vision Eswatini stepped in, through the Mahlangatsha Area Programme supported by World Vision USA. Seeing the urgent need for a sustainable solution, the organisation introduced itsWASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programme to Nyatsini High School, which has an enrolment of 200 learners. They installed a reliable water source and improved the school's sanitation and hygiene facilities in 2023. This is a gravity-flow water system that benefits Nyatsini High and Primary schools, the local clinic and surrounding households, including a dip tank.

The transformation was immediate and profound. With the new water systems in place, students no longer had to miss classes to fetch water. The improved sanitation facilities meant a healthier environment and fewer water-borne illnesses. Consistent access to clean water also ensured that the school-feeding programme could provide regular meals, helping students stay nourished and focused.

Nyatsini High School can now also enjoy gardening as part of its Agricultural practical lessons. They have established a school garden where they grow cabbage, spinach, and sweet potatoes. The programme also sources food from this garden, providing fresh and nutritious produce for the students' meals.

The ability to grow their own food has brought immense joy and pride to the school community. It has not only enhanced the students' learning experience by providing hands-on agricultural education but also ensured a sustainable source of fresh vegetables for their meals.

“When our cook called me and told me that they are cooking spinach from the garden, I felt joy I cannot even express; water surely opened doors to a lot of things in this school”, Dr. William, Nyatsini High School’s Principal said.

The benefits of having WASH facilities at Nyatsini High School are clear. Clean water and proper hygiene facilities have given students and staff a sense of dignity and well-being. The overall learning environment has become more conducive to success.

“There is nothing as satisfying as knowing that my class will not be paused so that I go a long distance to fetch water for the school,” Melusi, a learner from the school explained.

World Vision Eswatini's intervention in Nyatsini High School stemmed from a commitment to improving the lives of children and communities in rural areas. By addressing essential needs like water, sanitation, and hygiene, they aim to create conditions where children can thrive both academically and socially.