The school is in the arid Kitui county, which is subject to severe droughts and communities lack access to water for drinking, growing crops and rearing livestock. Children used to have to bring heavy jerrycans of water to school, fetching it from a nearby river. This dirty water was unsuitable for drinking and often caused pupils to fall sick, meaning they missed school. 

But thanks to a £5,000 donation raised by more than 270 attendees at the TTG Luxury Travel Awards 2023 in February, Just a Drop has funded a rainwater harvesting tank, enabling the children and teachers to access safe water year-round. Three handwashing stations have also been built, and Just a Drop provided water, sanitation and hygiene training to all the children. It also taught the youngsters how to make soap, which is being sold to raise funds for new materials. 

Fiona Jeffery OBE, founder of Just a Drop, said: “Just a Drop was created back in 1998 as a means of encouraging the travel industry to give back to communities for whom tourism is but a dream. The support given to Kavuvwani Primary School is a great example of what the travel industry can achieve when it pulls together. A simple but hugely impactful way to make a difference. Over 300 children’s education and health has been transformed and that will continue for future school generations to come. Sincere thanks to TTG Luxury for helping the industry come together and transform lives.”

The charity has also delivered a programme of menstrual hygiene education, to both girls and boys. The children learnt how to make reusable pads, to ensure girls are able to attend school more regularly, with the charity explaining: “Taboos and misinformation are now a thing of the past.” 

The charity worked with parents and teachers to support the sustainability of the project, to ensure the tank is well maintained and continues to support future children. The entire project focused on several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation, quality education and gender equality. 

The head of the school, Mrs Simba, said:“I am very happy this water tank has been installed in our school, we will now have enough water. We will plant trees and our students will excel in their studies. Pupils will no longer have to carry water to school, we will now provide a conducive learning environment for our pupils.”

TTG Luxury editor and publisher April Hutchinson added: “It was an absolute privilege to showcase the incredible work of Just a Drop at our awards, and attendees gave so generously. I’d like to thank everyone who donated, as you’ve helped make a real difference to the lives of the children at Kavuvwani Primary School, both now and in the future.” 

This year TTG Media has supported multiple charities through its events and through direct donations, including the Family Holiday Charity, Shelterbox, The Sandals Foundation and the Intrepid Morocco Earthquake Appeal. Attendees at The TTG Luxury Awards in previous years have given generously to charities including Crisis, Alzheimer’s Society and Breast Cancer Now. Find out more about the TTG Luxury Awards 2024, and enter by 3 November.