School Sanitation and Hygiene Education

Bangladesh is considered the largest delta in the world. It is one of the most densely populated countries and also one of the poorest countries in the world: about half of the people live below the poverty line (and living on one dollar a day).

Access to clean water and use of latrines in rural areas is limited because it is very remote and people are extremely poor.

Bangladesh also has an additional major problem for drinking water. In the past, many wells were beaten to a depth of 70 meters. Much of the water from these wells is poisoned with arsenic whose origin is unclear. Therefore many people in Bangladesh suffer from arsenic poisoning. Meanwhile wells are beaten to a depth of 300 meters, a depth where no arsenic in the soil occurs.

Current status

This program is an initiative of our local partner Aungkur, The content and structure is based on a thorough research in 2009. To provide one school with this sanitation program, we need 6200 euros!

1. Project Orientation:
This is the first step to make all stakeholders aware of the relevant activities within the project and involve the implementation of the project

2. Formation of "health committees" (Health Committee):
- School Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (SSHC): 10 members: consisting of the Head of School (Chair), a number of teachers and class representatives. This committee is responsible for proper procedure with regard to hygiene within the school over the long term. This committee meets once a month
- Classes Sanitation and Hygiene Committee: 5 Members: Each class will put together a committee which has to ensure that the activities initiated by the SSHC (cleaning, maintenance, personal hygiene etc.) are properly implemented.
- Quarterly review and planning meeting: Project staff and teachers come together to evaluate project progress and address any shortcomings.
- Impact Study: Every year an evaluation is planned to tackle issues regarding exposed water and sanitation problems. As following up a seminar will be organized

3. Training:
- Teachers receive training on school sanitation and hygiene. This training is to learn how to teach knowledge, skills and techniques related to hygiene. Teachers play a crucial role not only in respect of the development in children, but for those of the rest of the community.
- Discussion sessions on sanitation and hygiene in the classroom. Children play a major role within the family and discussions about sanitation and hygiene will not only create awareness of the children themselves but they will bring this home. So discussion will also contribute to positive changes within the family home.
- Rally and Micking plays. To raise awareness about hygiene within the community. These "plays" are performed (most people are illiterate) to support and confirm the need for hygiene central

4. Building the actual sanitation complex
Latrines:
- Easy to maintain
- Separate units for girls and boys
- Accessible location with plenty of privacy & Safety
- Adequate facilities for hand washing both latrines and other places within the school
- Drinking water facilities
- Safe waste system
Wells: Deep Tube Well (DTW).
DTW is now a proven technology for a community with Arsenic-free drinking water. In this region, the wells should be beaten to a depth of about 300 meters to get access to arsenic free drinking water.

5. Maintenance:
Each school will be provided with a set of tools so any repairs and maintenance can be done by themselves

A total of 20 schools in rural areas in Bangladesh will be provided with clean water and latrines. Students and school staff will be educated on hygiene awareness and change behavior in the long term. Staff and students will be motivated to promote and use clean water and latrines. Awareness of the importance of hygiene students, their relatives, fellow villagers to enlarge. Improving health for children, which reduces absenteeism (specially for girls), better education and development.

Goals

• Installation of Tube Wells and Latrines: 20 schools
• Hygiene Education: 13500 students and families
• Improvement of basic hygiene and health situation
• Prevention waterborne diseases like diarrhea and arsenic
• Reduce absenteeism and improve development

The project was initiated and implemented by our local partners Aungkur(NGO) in Bangladesh

All materials used are locally produced.

To ensure commitment and sustainability the following aspects are important:
- Awareness of the importance of hygiene among teachers, students and community through training, discussion sessions and "plays"
- Various committees consisting of school teachers and students to monitor the use and maintenance of sanitation facilities
- Discussion sessions within the class about hygiene are part of school programs which will keep the issue alive both at school and at home
- To involve the local community in the project a small contribution of the parents will be asked for maintenance