Water Blogged

Pommerin Primary School is situated in the village of Pommerin, within the Kilolo District of the Iringa region. As a public school, it is dedicated to inclusive education. The school serves a total of 667 students, including 111 with special needs. To meet the diverse requirements of its students, Pommerin Primary employs 22 teachers, who are trained in both general education and special needs education. The school exemplifies Tanzania’s national strategy for inclusive education, which aims to transform the education system to accommodate all learners in mainstream settings by addressing and responding to their varied needs.

Pommerin Primary School features a dedicated Special Education Unit that focuses on supporting students with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and visual impairments. This unit highlights the school’s commitment to providing the necessary educational support for these students. Through its inclusive approach, the school plays a vital role in promoting equitable access to education for children with disabilities in the region. Additionally, the school should ensure an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, which includes access to safe, clean water.

BEFORE:
Pommerin Primary School faced significant water-related challenges that negatively affected the well-being and education of its students, including those with special needs. The school often struggled to provide a reliable supply of safe drinking water. This scarcity impacted daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene, all of which are essential for maintaining a healthy learning environment. Furthermore, the inadequate water supply compromised sanitation and hygiene practices, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases among students and staff. This situation was particularly concerning for students with special needs, who may be more vulnerable to health issues.

Water shortages can result in the suspension of classes or reduced school hours, disrupting the educational process. Additionally, the responsibility of fetching water often falls on students, which leads to absenteeism and negatively impacts their academic performance.

AFTER:
Our implementing partner, St. Paul Partners, drilled a shallow well at Pommerin Primary School. This well will provide clean and safe water for students, staff, their families, and the surrounding village. As a result, both the health and academic performance of the students will improve. The school is actively working to protect the well to minimize maintenance needs. They are dedicated to maintaining their new clean water source in good condition, applying the strategies they learned through WASH training.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the water system, St. Paul Partners conducted WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) training with both staff and students. The training included:

– Proper hand pump operation and maintenance
– Hygiene and sanitation best practices
– Budget planning for future repairs

As a result, the school has developed a team of students tasked with overseeing the care and maintenance of the water infrastructure.

Thank you to Katie Spotz for her support of this project!