Water Schools Project

Transforming education through improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in Tanzanian schools

Project Overview

Working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals number 4 and 6, Afyaplus Organization has set a goal for improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Services in schools through construction of hand washing facilities, conducting awareness sessions, and advocating for support from decision makers.

Based on research conducted by UNICEF in 2017, about 70% of government health budget was spent on preventable WASH-related diseases as majority of population doesn't have access to WASH facilities including school children.

Lack of water and basic sanitation in schools not only affects children's physical development but also school attendance and academic performance, especially for school girls who have reached puberty. Availability of quality hand washing facilities in schools increases hand-washing behavior and helps reduce infectious diseases that can spread through contaminated hands, improving the health and learning performance of school-aged children.

Water in School Project

Project Objectives

Project Objectives

The main goal is to improve Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in schools which will help school children practice proper hand washing and access clean drinking water at school.

This project focuses on the development of life skills, mobilization, and involvement of parents, communities, governments, and institutions to work together to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Facilities.

We aim to increase access to clean and safe water by providing Water Storage Facilities (water tanks of 500 Lts) to 6600 Students (2798 boys and 3774 girls) from 25 schools in three districts: Iringa District Council, Iringa Municipal Council, and Mafinga Town Council.

Our Achievements

Construction of Hand Washing Stations

Afyaplus Organization, in collaboration with Afyaplus WASH Gala stakeholders and government, has constructed hand washing facilities in Twenty (22) schools including six (10) Primary schools and nine (12) Secondary schools.

These stations feature eight (8) water taps for eight users at once to promote hygiene and behavior change in Iringa schools.

Hand Washing Stations

Awareness Sessions

We've conducted awareness sessions on good sanitation, hygiene practices, and proper hand-washing procedures.

So far, 8,381 students (3,103 boys and 5,457 girls) have been reached and equipped with skills on hand-washing, and the importance of proper hand hygiene to maintain cleanliness and protect against the spread of germs and disease.

Hand Washing Stations
SWASH Clubs

Establishing Sustainable Hygiene Practices

Afyaplus has established Afyaplus SWASH (School, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) clubs in 12 Schools located in both primary and secondary schools within the Iringa municipal council area.

These clubs aim to instill lifelong habits and foster a culture of cleanliness. By targeting multiple schools, we strive to maximize our impact and provide young individuals with essential education on sanitation and hygiene practices.

Our SWASH clubs engage students in:

  • Peer-to-peer education on hygiene practices
  • Monitoring school sanitation facilities
  • Organizing community clean-up events
  • Advocating for improved WASH facilities

Project Impact

45
Schools Impacted
24,381
Students Reached
22
Hand Washing Stations
13
SWASH Clubs Established

What People Say

Hear from students, teachers, and community members about the impact of our Water Schools Project.

The handwashing stations have completely transformed our school. Students no longer have to miss classes due to waterborne diseases, and the girls especially feel more comfortable attending school regularly.

Mr. Juma

Mr. Juma

Head Teacher, Miyomboni Primary

Before Afyaplus installed the water tank at our school, we had to walk long distances to fetch water. Now we can focus on our studies and stay healthy with clean drinking water available throughout the day.

Neema

Neema

Form three Student

As a parent, I've noticed my children are healthier since their school got the handwashing stations. They're teaching us what they learn in the SWASH club about hygiene, which benefits our whole family.

Mama Asha

Mama Naomy

Parent & Community Member

Success Stories

Watch these inspiring stories of transformation from schools that have benefited from our Water Schools Project. Each video showcases the positive impact of improved WASH facilities on education and community health.