Turning Knowledge into Clean Water: Keagan’s Journey in Water and Sanitation
My name is Keagan Phiri, and I am currently studying Water Supply and Sanitation Operations at Lusaka Business and Technical College (LBTC) under the Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways Programme Cohort 2, implemented by FAWEZA.
Before joining the programme, I never imagined that a career in water and sanitation would shape my future. Today, I am pursuing a field that falls under Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)because it combines scientific knowledge, engineering principles, technical skills, and problem-solving to ensure communities have access to safe water and proper sanitation services.
Through the Dual Vocational Education and Training (Dual VET) Programme, I spend part of my time learning in the classroom and part gaining practical experience in industry. At LBTC, I am learning about water treatment processes, sanitation systems, environmental protection, and the technologies used to deliver clean water to communities.
As part of my industrial training at Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company, I have had the opportunity to work at the Kafue Iolanda Water Treatment Plant, where I observed how raw water from the Kafue River is treated and transformed into safe drinking water. This experience helped me appreciate the important role that science and engineering play in improving people’s lives.
I am currently gaining experience at the Kaunda Square Wastewater Treatment Plant, where I am learning how wastewater is treated before it is safely released back into the environment. Through this attachment, I am developing practical skills in water management while contributing to environmental sustainability and public health.
In addition, I have acquired skills in borehole installation, pipe fitting, blueprint interpretation, and operating butt fusion machines These technical competencies have strengthened my confidence and prepared me for future employment opportunities in the water sector.
One of the most rewarding experiences during my training was assisting with a community borehole installation. Working alongside an experienced technician, I applied the knowledge and skills I had gained through my studies. Seeing clean water flow for community members was a powerful reminder of the impact that technical education can have on people’s daily lives.
The support I have received through the Mastercard Foundation sponsorship has been life-changing. It has given me access to quality education, practical training, and opportunities to develop skills that can improve my future. As I continue my studies, I am motivated to use my knowledge to help address water and sanitation challenges in communities across Zambia.
My journey demonstrates how investing in STEM education equips young people with the skills needed to solve real-world problems, create opportunities for themselves, and contribute to national development. I am still a student, but I am already gaining the knowledge and experience needed to become a skilled professional and an agent of change in my community.
