Latrine construction a success!
There are 430 primary school-aged students and 10 staff at Mitalamaria School in Uganda who both practice their Islamic religion and attend regular school classes. They are committed to good hygiene as Muslims, though other students (Christians, Catholics, others) also attend this school. The headteacher is also the founder of the school and is very committed to ensuring the children are safe.
The sanitation situation for the students was dire, unsafe, and undignified. They had been on a waitlist for new latrine blocks for over 3 years. The conditions in which they bathed and used restroom facilities was horrible. A normal-sized person couldn’t even fit inside the collapsing stall, so many kids ended up going outside. The staff care for the students, many of whom are boarders (they live at school during the school year). Their compound is small but our implementing partner, Drink Local Drink Tap, was able to demolish the old ‘facilities’ while they were on a break, ensuring the school didn’t miss a day without any place to ‘go’. They have taken very good care of the water harvesting system that was installed a few years ago and were a perfect candidate for new latrines.
Drink Local Drink Tap is committed to ensuring ALL children have access to clean water and sanitation in Uganda. Their drainable, long-lasting VIP latrines have child-friendly innovations and quality work and materials that can withstand the harsh sun and conditions of Uganda.