Access to quality WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) facilities is the most basic human need for health and wellbeing. By ensuring all UWS schools have access to usable and safe facilities, we enable more children to enrol and stay in education and unlock health benefits for the whole community.

Clean water equals more children in school

829,000 people die annually from diseases directly attributable to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices. Access to clean water supports the health and wellbeing of families and reduces the amount of time that children, who often help with chores at home, spend collecting water each day. When families have access to clean water close to home, children can attend school regularly and build their own brighter futures.

Through our WASH initiative, we’re increasing the number of schools with universally accessible and gender-friendly sanitation facilities. This includes giving schools more latrines and water points.

Gender-friendly WASH facilities

Without clean water, proper latrines and sanitation, the challenges girls face with managing menstruation are amplified. Many girls are forced to miss days of school when they have their period or even drop out of school altogether. Giving girls access to safe, private, and clean WASH facilities, with provision for menstrual hygiene management means that girls don’t have to stay home for a week out of every month. It also enables full participation of female teachers. And our work goes beyond providing facilities – we also deliver information sessions within communities. For example, our Girls’ Clubs and Mothers’ Groups hold pad-making training sessions, teaching women and girls how to make reusable sanitary pads.