Improving opportunities to learn through the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene education in schools

• In Event: Harmonizing Aid to Improve Literacy Outcomes: Making an impact in Zambian schools

Abstract

The discourse on quality of education in developing countries such as Zambia places emphasis on curriculum, teacher competence, availability of books and other support material, but often ignores the question of whether children’s basic physical needs are being met, in particular their need for/right to adequate safe drinking water, clean, child friendly and accessible toilets, and facilities for girls to hygienically manage menstruation. The prevailing situation for WASH facilities in schools in Zambia is below Ministry of Education standards of pupil/toilet ratio of 50 pupils to one toilet for both girls and boys. The national policy on education, Educating Our Future, (MOE, 1996) notes that half the rural schools in Zambia do not have safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities. Schools in urban areas are over populated. The school enrolment outstretches the available resources.
The panel discussion will make the case that improving access to sustainable WASH facilities and services improves class attendance, pupil teacher contact time, and teacher retention (especially female). Improving WASH in schools creates an enabling learning environment for children, especially for adolescent girls as a result of improved menstrual hygiene management possibilities. The panel discussion will be informed by lessons and emerging data from the USAID funded, Zambian government implemented SPLASH (Schools Promoting Learning Achievement through Sanitation and Hygiene) Project in Eastern Province, Zambia, running from 2011-2015. SPLASH works with the MOE in nearly 400 primary schools installing safe water points, latrines, handwashing stations, and promotes better hygiene practices including menstrual hygiene management.

Author

• Justin Lupele, FHI 360