By Nakandi Lydia | M&E Asst
According to WHO guidelines, schools should provide adequate handwashing facilities equipped with soap and water. These facilities need to be easily accessible to ensure that all students can use them regularly, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.
UNICEF highlights that nearly half of the schools worldwide lack basic handwashing facilities with water and soap, affecting approximately 802 million school-aged children. They stress the importance of hand hygiene education and infrastructure in schools to improve health outcomes and reduce school absenteeism.
In Uganda, the Ministry of Education and Sports reports that only 40% of schools meet the national standards for handwashing facilities, which include access to soap and water. This gap significantly affects students' health and attendance, as proper hand hygiene is crucial for preventing disease. Efforts to improve this situation involve partnerships with organizations like UNICEF, which support the installation of handwashing facilities and promote hygiene education in schools to enhance overall student well-being and educational outcomes (UNICEF).
PaCT proposed the construction of a group handwashing facility at Mwererwe Primary School in rural Uganda to address the significant hygiene and health challenges faced by the students. The initiative aimed to improve the overall hygiene standards, reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and ensure that children can attend school regularly and perform well academically. Providing such facilities is essential for creating a healthier and safer school environment, particularly in areas where access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services is limited
The construction of a group handwashing facility with six taps at Mwererwe Primary School has significantly benefited the 290 students (133 boys and 157 girls). This facility has improved their hygiene practices, reducing the spread of illnesses and absenteeism. Regular handwashing with soap has become a part of their daily routine, leading to better health and a more conducive learning environment. The initiative has also instilled lifelong hygiene habits in the students, contributing to their overall well-being and academic performance.
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