Namarambi Project Complete!

There is a new rainwater catchment system at Namarambi Primary School! Students have a source of safe, clean water thanks to your support. Handwashing stations were installed so that students can clean up after using their new latrines, and students and staff have received training in sanitation and hygiene.

 

Namarambi Primary School has been issued a closure notice by the government because of their water and sanitation crisis. The work done here has redeemed the school and allowed them to stay open for these 455 students.

 

Construction for this 50,000-liter rainwater catchment tank was successful!

“We appreciate this project since now we will be able to access clean and safe water. Getting water to wash our plates and wash our hands had been a challenge because of lack of water,” said 14-year-old Collins. “Thank you for implementing this projects in our school when we really needed it the most.”

 

The Process:

Our staff and the school administration started by looking around the school to determine the best location for their new rainwater catchment tank. This needed to be the best site with good, clean roofing to catch the rainwater. Then, we cleared the site: excavating the soil within the required measurements to make level ground for the tank foundation. The foundation was cast by laying stones on level ground and then reinforcing it using steel, concrete and waterproof cement. Both the drawing pipe as well as the washout pipe were affixed as the foundation was lain. The wall was built with ferro-cement techniques through six layers. The inner wall was plastered while rough casting was done on the outer part. The catchment area was dug, plastered, and a staircase installed so students can easily get water from the tap. Dome construction could begin after the superstructure had been given enough time to settle. The manhole cover was fitted, inlet pipes were connected to the roof gutters, inlet screens, ventilation pipes (breathers) and overflow pipes were all done to standard. Once finished, the tank was given three weeks to undergo complete curing before it was cleaned and handed over to Namarambi Primary School, though we will continue to offer them unmatchable support as a part of our monitoring and maintenance program.

 

This project funded the installation of six new ventilated improved pit latrines. All of these new latrines have cement floors that are easy to use and clean. And with a rainwater catchment tank, there should be enough water to keep them clean all the time.

 

Pupils can now enjoy washing their hands with soap thanks to the two handwashing stations that were delivered to their school. These new handwashing opportunities will help reduce cases of hygiene-related illness. The training on hygiene has motivated these students to share what they’ve learned with their peers at school and families at home.

 

We worked with Deputy Headteacher Ngome to plan a child to child (CTC) training to equip students with knowledge of good health habits and how to share it with others. Mr. Ngome worked with other teachers to select student representatives from each grade, all who would form a CTC club that recruits new members. There was a total of 22 participants waiting for us in a classroom.

 

We covered topics including:

·         primary healthcare

·         taking care of the new facilities

·         common illnesses and their prevention

·         waterborne illnesses

·         CTC club activities

·         dental hygiene

 

When it came to voting for leaders of the CTC club, many students came forward and nominated themselves for positions. One of them, Miss Rennis, said that she wanted to be at the forefront to make sure that hygiene and sanitation standards in the school are improved. Since she was elected as one of the officials, we are confident that the formed club will run smoothly!

 

Proper handwashing was discussed exhaustively. The participants identified when they should wash hands and the importance of washing hands. They were taught how to wash their hands thoroughly with soap in ten steps. In the case that one doesn’t have soap, ash can be used as an alternative. This was special because most of the participants come from poor families and sometimes lack soap for cleaning. They were happy to learn that ash can be used as a cleaning agent and said they would share the information with other family members.

 

“Through this training we have learned how to keep our bodies and environment clean in order to prevent infections and illnesses caused by poor hygiene. We have been informed that keeping oneself clean and the environment doesn’t have to be expensive since one can improvise and use locally available agents like ash, charcoal, and leaky tins (handwashing stations),” said Teacher Konah. “This training has come in handy for me as a sanitation teacher and I will make sure that everyone in this school and beyond is trained on proper hygiene and improved sanitation.”