Location: NIGERIA
Each day at L.E.A. School Kapwa once began with the same question: where will we find water today? Through the vision of Takelead Children Pathway Foundation, that question has been replaced by the steady sound of running taps and the laughter of children learning in comfort. The school community had long depended on inconsistent, often unsafe sources, making simple routines like drinking water, washing hands, and using the toilets a daily struggle. With resilience and deep local commitment, the foundation engineered a complete water-access solution – an 1800-liter overhead tank, a strengthened stand, new piping, and a multi-tap system – so pupils could finally learn in an environment where their health was protected and their well-being respected.
“We wanted to give these children the safety and comfort they deserve,” shared a team member, reflecting on the project’s purpose.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
The Pollination Project grant was the catalyst that shifted this vision into tangible change. Its support fully powered the installation, covering materials, labor, transport, and the infrastructure needed to ensure long-term water flow. The impact became immediately visible: more than 1,000 people now access clean water daily, including students, teachers, and nearby community members. Teachers noted a meaningful 30–35% drop in water-related absenteeism, and every school toilet—staff and student—now functions with a dependable water supply. Over 300 students took part in hygiene education sessions, with teachers leading practical lessons that boosted handwashing habits and sanitation awareness.
“The grant brought relief, confidence, and a renewed sense of possibility,” the foundation explained. “Children can focus, teachers can teach, and the whole atmosphere feels lighter.”
The project was so transformative that it drew national attention: Channels Television showcased it, with public commendation from a prominent national leader featured on the broadcast.
The Future
With the system fully operational, the foundation is now building a path toward lasting stewardship. The next phase includes structured water-use education, shared community access guidelines, and a quarterly maintenance plan to preserve the system’s reliability. The team is also tracking ongoing improvements in hygiene, attendance, and overall school health while exploring how this model can be replicated in other public schools.
“This experience affirmed that grassroots philanthropy can change the future of a child’s education,” the team reflected, as they continue advancing sustainable WASH solutions within underserved communities.
The TPP grant did more than fund a water system — it ignited hope, restored dignity, and demonstrated what is possible when small acts of generosity meet local commitment. Through this support, we were able to reach students, teachers, and an entire surrounding community with a sustainable water solution that will serve them for years.
Ayesha Fred Elike
Ayesha Fred Elike is the founder of Takelead Children Pathway Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering children through education, health, and well-being. Motivated by a deep commitment to addressing socio-economic barriers, she has led community-based initiatives that improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in underserved schools. Through the WASH for Schools program, she champions sustainable, child-centered solutions that enhance health and learning outcomes, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Join The Pollination Project in seeding a global movement of grassroots change. When we invest in passionate local leaders, small acts of generosity blossom into lasting impact. Every dollar you give takes root in communities, growing into sustainable solutions that touch countless lives.
