MEDIA ALERT/PRESS RELEASE
Kabwinja Schools Celebrate Handover of New Piped Water System Featuring Malawian Football Star Temwa Chawinga
@Amaru
@Michael Zingg
Dowa District, Malawi — Freshwater Project International (FPI), in partnership with the Kansas City Current and Heart to Heart International, will host a special handover ceremony on 18 December, 2025, to officially inaugurate a brand-new piped water system serving Kabwinja Primary and Secondary schools and village.
The event will feature Malawian international football star Temwa Chawinga, who will join students, educators, community leaders, and project partners in celebrating this major milestone for the Kabwinja community.
The new system—funded through the “Temwa X Freshwater: Water, Health & Hygiene” initiative—delivers clean, reliable water directly to the school campus for the first time through a mechanized pump, new 10,000-liter water tank and tank tower, and 31 water kiosks throughout the two-school campus and adjacent village.
This upgrade is expected to significantly improve student health, attendance, and learning outcomes and will also provide clean water sources to the adjacent village. Freshwater will also distribute hundreds of hygiene kits to students donated by Kansas City-based NGO Heart to Heart International later this month.
The event will include remarks from school leadership, government officials, community representatives, and Freshwater Project International, along with photo and video opportunities of students interacting with the new water taps, the elevated tank tower, and special moments with Temwa Chawinga.
Freshwater Ambassador
Temwa Chawinga Champions Clean Water in Malawi Schools
Malawi’s soccer superstar Temwa Chawinga is stepping off the pitch to ensure children across Malawi have access to clean water, safe sanitation, and hygiene in their schools.
Partnering with Freshwater Project International, she is using her voice to spotlight the daily struggles students face without these basic necessities.
For Temwa, this mission is personal. Growing up in Malawi, she saw how the lack of clean water and safe toilets forced girls to miss class or walk long distances instead of studying. Now, she’s determined to help every child learn, dream, and thrive.
Together, Temwa and Freshwater are bringing solar-powered water systems, gender-friendly toilets, and hygiene resources to schools—building a healthier, more equitable future for the next generation.
Through the Temwa X Freshwater: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Campaign, we are bringing sustainable WASH solutions to six schools across Malawi.
A Vision for Impact at Kabwinja
Water System Infrastructure: This project will establish a solar-powered piped water system to provide reliable, sustainable access to clean water throughout the school campus. Key infrastructure includes a borehole, solar pump, high-capacity storage tank, durable tank stand, and an HDPE distribution network delivering water to buildings and standpipes for easy access. Designed for efficiency and long-term durability, the system will meet current needs while supporting future growth.
Improved Sanitation: A robust and resilient latrine design features deep pits for long-term use, easy access for safe and efficient emptying, and durable construction with weather-resistant materials to withstand heavy use. Sturdy, locking doors ensure privacy and safety, while the ventilation systems reduce odors and improve airflow. Smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces further enhance hygiene, creating a sustainable and user-friendly sanitation solution.
Health & Hygiene Training: Through student-led health clubs, students will receive hygiene packs, menstrual health training, and reusable pads, empowering girls to stay in school confidently.
