School Sanitation Implementation

This project is part of the Simavi School Sanitation Programme which consists of more than 30 school sanitation projects in 9 countries. Simavi and its partner organisations have made efforts to reduce child and maternal mortality by preventing diseases. Access to safe drinking water as well as awareness raising on sanitation and hygiene practices have been identified as key to combating this. Investing in school sanitation and hygiene education is in essence an investment in the future.

Goals overview

Improving sanitation and hygiene at 2 primary schools in rural areas near Blantyre, Malawi.

Current status

Mudi Primary school has 777 students (399 boys, 378 girls) in the ages of 6 to 17, and 8 teachers. Currently there are only 4 pit latrines available which are in poor condition. Namisu Lea Primary School has 452 students (229 boys, 223 girls) and 6 teachers. 6 unlined pit latrines of poor condition are available at the school. Both schools have access to boreholes for their water supply. The pupil / latrine pit ratio is too high creating an unhygienic environment at the latrines. Many pupils suffer from diarrhea and malaria. The schools experience a high drop out rate and low attendance.

Project plan

Each school will receive latrine blocks with 4 pits for boys and 4 for girls, and also 2 urinals for the boys and 2 urinals for the girls. The teachers will also be provided with a double latrine block. The pits of the latrines will be lined and durable concrete slabs will be used. Each school will also be provided with 4 hand washing facilities. The school management will be trained on sanitation and hygiene, school sensitization sessions will be held and internal and inter school competitions on sanitation will be organized. The surrounding community will be involved and provide basic materials.

Besides the provision of sanitation facilites the school management committees and teachers will be trained in leadership skills and roles and hygiene promotion. The Child Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation method will be used, and internal and inter school sanitation competitions will be organised. Community sensitization meetings using the participatory hygiene and sanitation methodology will focus on 4 key hygiene messages. Through collaboration with the District Health Department the school children will receive a check up and treatment for for example worm infections if needed. The latrine blocks will be owned by the school management committee. Maintenance and cleaning will be organized by this committee but mainly done by the pupils and their parents. Durable materials will be used and the latrines are expected to last for 10 years.