Success:
We are excited to report that from October 2018 to May 2019 – we have been able to install 1 litre handwashing facilities in 18 Government funded primary schools. This is benefiting 16,619 pupils, in the district of Kumi, with education on the importance of handwashing and access to improved sanitation equipment at school.
Impact:
We’ve recorded an incredible 27% decrease in the number of school days lost due to diarrheal infection since the installation of the handwashing facilities!
We monitor the use of the facilities and continue to educate the children and work with the teachers and community to value the tanks, keep them in working order and use them. By focusing on education on the importance of handwashing we aim to reduce the transmission of germs and improve basic health.
This project facilitates the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 by helping to provide access to adequate and equitable sanitation for all.
Our Amazing Volunteers: We have wonderful people helping us in the UK, talking about our projects and inspiring people with the work that we do. We have been thrilled with how this project has caught the hearts and minds of so many. Even a local school here, Victoria Primary School, has recorded their own charity single “It’s Good to Be Alive” to raise funds!
Here’s what we have learned:
- Would it be surprising to learn that boys are 3 times less likely to wash their hands and twice as likely to report a diarrheal infection?
- Years 1-3 don’t know the link between handwashing and the reduction of the transmission of germs
- Maintenance of the washing facilities could be a higher priority
- The wider community also uses the facilities
- There are 45 government schools (in Kumi) yet to benefit from sanitation facilities
Here’s what we will do:
- We will be speaking directly to boys to educate them about consistent hygiene practices
- We will be addressing the knowledge gap for Years 1-3 with new education material that illustrates the link between handwashing and germ transmission
- We are partnering with the local education authority to strengthen the project to supervise and encourage facilities to be well maintained
- We will be creating directly links between schoolchildren in the UK and schoolchildren in Kumi
Make new friends: Connecting UK and Ugandan school children through this project is a great way to teach about hygiene and explore one another’s perspectives and lifestyles: Encouraging them to be curious, accepting of diversity and globally aware. We will encourage UK schools to use their imagination in producing learning tools and material to compliment the curriculum. They can also get inventive in fund raising for the project! Get in touch
- What areas of your school curriculum could be met through this direct partnership and fundraising?
Support us:
Each tank costs £450 and is likely to benefit an average of 900 pupils plus faculty. Such a small investment can truly make a huge impact! Donate