When the School Day Ends, Another Journey Begins

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For many children, the end of the school day means going home to relax, play, and complete their homework. But for the children of Ntilal Primary School in Samburu, Kenya, the school bell marks the beginning of another important part of their day.

Before they can even think about opening their exercise books, they have responsibilities waiting for them at home. Many must collect firewood, care for younger siblings, help prepare meals, or set off to fetch water for their families.

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Perhaps the hardest task is collecting water. During the rare rainy periods, some families can gather water from the river. But for much of the year, the riverbed is dry, and children must walk several kilometres to the nearest borehole. The journey is long, and the containers are heavy. Yet they make the trip because water is not a choice, it is a necessity.

Imagine walking past your school, hearing the laughter of friends still playing, knowing you cannot stop because your family depends on you. These children carry far more than water, they carry responsibility, resilience, and hope.

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Only after these daily chores are completed can they begin any homework their teachers have given them. By then, they are often tired, and with no electricity , studying becomes even more challenging as daylight fades.

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Despite these obstacles, the children of Ntilal continue to show an incredible determination to learn. Their commitment to education reminds us that opportunity should never be limited by circumstances beyond a child's control.

At Dry River Children Charity, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn without such overwhelming barriers. Your continued support helps us work towards a brighter future. One where access to water, better school facilities, and sustainable solar power can give these children more time to learn, dream, and simply enjoy being children.

Together, we can help lighten the load they carry every single day.