Project news from Masiye Primary School, Malawi
Posted by Steve Hall on June 28, 2017
Masiye is a large primary school in rural Lilongwe in Malawi with more than 750 students and 2,400 community members. Freshwater Project International, in partnership with Procter & Gamble and H2O for Life, implemented a comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program at the school.
Before: The school had a rainwater harvesting system; however, the tank was in disrepair so there was NO water point at the school. Students had to walk about 700 meter to the nearest borehole in the village. Latrines were in extremely poor condition, with no doors for privacy. Makeshift urinals were constructed next to the school, but offered little privacy and were very unhygienic. Many students chose to defecate in the open bush and would have to miss school due to water-borne diseases contracted from drinking unsafe water and utilizing unsafe sanitation facilities.
After: A new borehole well with a hand pump was drilled for the school and now there is a clean water source for the students. Two blocks of deep pit latrines (1 for boys and 1 for girls) with 4 compartments each school (16 rooms total) were dug and constructed. All of the latrines have doors that lock, offering students privacy. Additionally, two blocks of urinals (1 for boys and 1 for girls) were also constructed. In the girls’ latrines, a special menstrual hygiene station was included to offer girls a private, hygienic place to wash and manage issues related to menses. Hand washing stations were added near the latrine block as well as close to the classrooms. Students were also provided with a supply of Procter & Gamble Purifier of Water packets as well as training to purify water in their homes.
Results: With the attraction of the new water source and sanitation facilities, the school has seen an increase in enrollment since the implementation of this project with 51 new students registering (from 756 to 807 students). The school has added two additional teachers. The school is also added the raising of pigs as an income generating activity and hands on animal husbandry skills training for the students.
Quote from Head Teacher, Masautso Kapesa
“On behalf of the teachers, students and entire community, I am very thankful to Freshwater project international for the gift of toilets and sanitary services at this school. At this school we had poor toilets and urinals. But now students can call nature within reach and with privacy, more also the girls. Please extend our appreciation to our donors who supported us with these services.”
