About the project
About the water Project
The water project has five components: construction of sand dams, Establishment of shallow wells, distribution of donkeys to vulnerable households, distribution of 10,000-liter water tanks to groups with tree nurseries, and water distribution.
Sand Dams
All about sand Sand dams
A sand dam is a small, low-cost structure built across a seasonal river or stream in dryland areas to capture and store water within the sand that accumulates behind it.
The dam is typically constructed from concrete, stone, or masonry and is built on a rocky riverbed.
During the rainy season, water flows down the river carrying sand. The heavier sand settles behind the dam, while lighter silt and clay are carried downstream.
Over successive rainy seasons, the sand builds up, creating a natural underground reservoir.
Water is stored between the sand particles and protected from evaporation and contamination.
Sand dams benefit communities and the environment by providing clean water for communities, livestock, and irrigation, recharging groundwater, improving vegetation growth, reducing time spent (especially by women and children) walking long distances to fetch water, and can last for decades with proper maintenance.
👉 In short, a sand dam is a sustainable way of harvesting and storing rainwater in arid and semi-arid regions
The water project has so far implemented 855 sand dams, and 3 are in progress. These sand dams have ensured continuous water availability to community members even during the dry seasons, since most of the rivers in the counties of Makueni, Machakos Kajiando are seasonal and run dry within three months after the rains.
The dam is typically constructed from concrete, stone, or masonry and is built on a rocky riverbed.
During the rainy season, water flows down the river carrying sand. The heavier sand settles behind the dam, while lighter silt and clay are carried downstream.
Over successive rainy seasons, the sand builds up, creating a natural underground reservoir.
Water is stored between the sand particles and protected from evaporation and contamination.
Sand dams benefit communities and the environment by providing clean water for communities, livestock, and irrigation, recharging groundwater, improving vegetation growth, reducing time spent (especially by women and children) walking long distances to fetch water, and can last for decades with proper maintenance.
👉 In short, a sand dam is a sustainable way of harvesting and storing rainwater in arid and semi-arid regions
The water project has so far implemented 855 sand dams, and 3 are in progress. These sand dams have ensured continuous water availability to community members even during the dry seasons, since most of the rivers in the counties of Makueni, Machakos Kajiando are seasonal and run dry within three months after the rains.
Shallow wells
All about Shallow Wells
Shallow wells are an important source of water for rural and peri-urban communities, particularly in areas where access to piped water is limited or unavailable. They are typically dug by hand or with simple machinery to depths ranging between 10 and 30 meters, tapping into underground aquifers that are relatively close to the surface.
The construction of shallow wells is often community-driven, making them cost-effective and accessible compared to deeper boreholes. Once completed, a well can provide households with water for drinking, cooking, livestock, and small-scale irrigation. When fitted with protective lining equipped with a hand pump, a shallow can exist for tens of years, providing access to improved water to community members.
Beyond immediate access to water, shallow wells contribute to improved health outcomes by reducing the burden of waterborne diseases. They also save time and energy, especially for women and children, who would otherwise walk long distances to fetch water. The availability of water near homes enables families to engage in home gardening, livestock keeping, and other livelihood activities, contributing to food security and income generation.
However, shallow wells are vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations and contamination if not properly constructed and maintained. Therefore, integrating protective structures, regular maintenance, and community training is essential to sustain their benefits.
In summary, shallow wells are a practical and affordable solution for water scarcity in many communities. They strengthen resilience, enhance livelihoods, and improve the overall quality of life when developed and managed responsibly. UDO annually implements at least 19 shallow wells for community members.
The construction of shallow wells is often community-driven, making them cost-effective and accessible compared to deeper boreholes. Once completed, a well can provide households with water for drinking, cooking, livestock, and small-scale irrigation. When fitted with protective lining equipped with a hand pump, a shallow can exist for tens of years, providing access to improved water to community members.
Beyond immediate access to water, shallow wells contribute to improved health outcomes by reducing the burden of waterborne diseases. They also save time and energy, especially for women and children, who would otherwise walk long distances to fetch water. The availability of water near homes enables families to engage in home gardening, livestock keeping, and other livelihood activities, contributing to food security and income generation.
However, shallow wells are vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations and contamination if not properly constructed and maintained. Therefore, integrating protective structures, regular maintenance, and community training is essential to sustain their benefits.
In summary, shallow wells are a practical and affordable solution for water scarcity in many communities. They strengthen resilience, enhance livelihoods, and improve the overall quality of life when developed and managed responsibly. UDO annually implements at least 19 shallow wells for community members.
10,000-liter Water Tanks Input Support to Income-generating Self-Help Groups
About 10,000-litre Water Tanks Input Support
Vulnerable women in arid and semi-arid regions often face multiple challenges, including limited access to water, low household incomes, and restricted economic opportunities. Many of these women depend on subsistence activities that are unpredictable and inadequate to meet their families’ needs. Supporting women’s groups with water tanks for commercial tree nurseries provides a practical and sustainable solution to enhance their livelihoods.
The provision of water tanks to women self-help groups enables them to secure a reliable water source for tree nursery operations, especially during dry seasons when access to water is limited. With a consistent water supply, the women can propagate a wide range of tree seedlings, including fruit trees, agroforestry species, and indigenous trees, which are in high demand for both environmental restoration and commercial markets.
Commercial tree nurseries empower women's self-help groups to generate group income, which is used to provide loans to group members at relatively convenient terms, enabling them to settle bills and pay for emergencies such as medical bills and school fees hassle-free. The group members share their income at the end of the year, which provides additional revenue to their individual households. The income earned allows them to cater for household needs such as food, school fees, and healthcare, thereby improving their families’ quality of life.
Beyond income generation, the initiative contributes to environmental conservation by increasing tree cover, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable land use practices. It also strengthens women’s participation in community decision-making as they become recognized contributors to both household and community development.
By supporting vulnerable women’s groups with water tanks and technical guidance in nursery management, the project creates a pathway toward economic empowerment, resilience building, and environmental sustainability. The initiative directly addresses poverty reduction while fostering dignity, independence, and hope among women who are often marginalized. UDO distributes 2 10,000-litre water tanks to such groups annually and empowers them with training on income-generating activities.
The provision of water tanks to women self-help groups enables them to secure a reliable water source for tree nursery operations, especially during dry seasons when access to water is limited. With a consistent water supply, the women can propagate a wide range of tree seedlings, including fruit trees, agroforestry species, and indigenous trees, which are in high demand for both environmental restoration and commercial markets.
Commercial tree nurseries empower women's self-help groups to generate group income, which is used to provide loans to group members at relatively convenient terms, enabling them to settle bills and pay for emergencies such as medical bills and school fees hassle-free. The group members share their income at the end of the year, which provides additional revenue to their individual households. The income earned allows them to cater for household needs such as food, school fees, and healthcare, thereby improving their families’ quality of life.
Beyond income generation, the initiative contributes to environmental conservation by increasing tree cover, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable land use practices. It also strengthens women’s participation in community decision-making as they become recognized contributors to both household and community development.
By supporting vulnerable women’s groups with water tanks and technical guidance in nursery management, the project creates a pathway toward economic empowerment, resilience building, and environmental sustainability. The initiative directly addresses poverty reduction while fostering dignity, independence, and hope among women who are often marginalized. UDO distributes 2 10,000-litre water tanks to such groups annually and empowers them with training on income-generating activities.
Donkey Support to Vulnerable Households
About Donkey Support to Vulnerable Households
Access to safe and reliable water remains a daily challenge for many vulnerable female-headed households, especially those living more than one kilometer from the nearest water source. The burden of water collection falls disproportionately on women and their children, particularly girls, who often spend many hours walking long distances in search of water. This not only reduces their time for productive work but also negatively affects school attendance and performance for children.
Supporting these households with donkeys as a means of water transportation provides a sustainable and practical solution. A donkey enables women to fetch and transport larger quantities of water in a single trip, thereby reducing the physical strain and time spent on water collection. For female-headed households with at least three school-going children, this intervention directly contributes to improved well-being and educational outcomes. Children, especially girls, are freed from the daily burden of long water-fetching trips, allowing them to attend school more regularly and focus on their studies.
Beyond water collection, donkeys also provide additional livelihood opportunities. They can be used to transport firewood, farm produce, and other household goods for the beneficiary household or for other households, earning money for the latter. This reduces labor constraints and improves income generation potential, enhancing households' resilience, food security, and overall dignity for vulnerable women.
By providing donkey support to these targeted households, the project addresses the triple challenges of gender inequality, poverty, and access to water. It ensures that women-headed families living far from water sources can meet their domestic needs with dignity, while children gain the opportunity to remain in school and build a brighter future
UDO distributes 4 donkeys to such vulnerable households annually.
Supporting these households with donkeys as a means of water transportation provides a sustainable and practical solution. A donkey enables women to fetch and transport larger quantities of water in a single trip, thereby reducing the physical strain and time spent on water collection. For female-headed households with at least three school-going children, this intervention directly contributes to improved well-being and educational outcomes. Children, especially girls, are freed from the daily burden of long water-fetching trips, allowing them to attend school more regularly and focus on their studies.
Beyond water collection, donkeys also provide additional livelihood opportunities. They can be used to transport firewood, farm produce, and other household goods for the beneficiary household or for other households, earning money for the latter. This reduces labor constraints and improves income generation potential, enhancing households' resilience, food security, and overall dignity for vulnerable women.
By providing donkey support to these targeted households, the project addresses the triple challenges of gender inequality, poverty, and access to water. It ensures that women-headed families living far from water sources can meet their domestic needs with dignity, while children gain the opportunity to remain in school and build a brighter future
UDO distributes 4 donkeys to such vulnerable households annually.
Shallow Wells Water Distribution
All About Shallow Wells Water Distribution
Shallow wells play a vital role in improving access to clean and reliable water for rural communities. By tapping into underground water sources at relatively shallow depths (typically 10–30 meters), these wells provide a dependable water supply close to homesteads, farms, and schools.
To maximize their benefits, water from shallow wells can be distributed through simple and community-managed systems. Solar-powered pumps lift and channel the water into centrally located storage tanks, which serve as water points.
This distribution approach reduces the time and physical burden of fetching water, especially for women and children. It ensures that clean water is accessible for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. Moreover, organized water distribution from shallow wells promotes equity, since water points are strategically located to serve vulnerable households and institutions such as schools and health centers.
When managed collectively by water user committees, shallow wells' water distribution enhances sustainability. Communities can establish maintenance funds, regulate water use, and ensure that both domestic and productive needs are met. This system not only supports health and hygiene but also boosts local livelihoods by enabling kitchen gardens, livestock watering, and other income-generating activities.
To maximize their benefits, water from shallow wells can be distributed through simple and community-managed systems. Solar-powered pumps lift and channel the water into centrally located storage tanks, which serve as water points.
This distribution approach reduces the time and physical burden of fetching water, especially for women and children. It ensures that clean water is accessible for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. Moreover, organized water distribution from shallow wells promotes equity, since water points are strategically located to serve vulnerable households and institutions such as schools and health centers.
When managed collectively by water user committees, shallow wells' water distribution enhances sustainability. Communities can establish maintenance funds, regulate water use, and ensure that both domestic and productive needs are met. This system not only supports health and hygiene but also boosts local livelihoods by enabling kitchen gardens, livestock watering, and other income-generating activities.
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Alongside HOPE
Alongside Hope is a community-centered initiative committed to walking hand in hand with vulnerable families and marginalized groups to restore dignity, resilience, and hope. Founded on the belief that transformation happens when people are empowered rather than merely assisted, the organization works to create lasting change through compassion, partnership, and practical support.
The name Alongside Hope reflects its philosophy—standing beside individuals and communities in their struggles, not ahead of them or behind them. By listening first, it builds trust and designs solutions that respond to the real challenges people face. Programs focus on education, food security, access to clean water, livelihood support, and emotional well-being.
The name Alongside Hope reflects its philosophy—standing beside individuals and communities in their struggles, not ahead of them or behind them. By listening first, it builds trust and designs solutions that respond to the real challenges people face. Programs focus on education, food security, access to clean water, livelihood support, and emotional well-being.
