St Michael's Muluwa is a mixed secondary school in Butere, Kakamega in Kenya. There are 205 students with access to 5 female and 4 male toilet cubicles, and 1 urinal. However, these toilets are poorly maintained and many students are not happy with the level of cleanliness. Additionally, there are no facilities for hand-washing. Providing access to clean toilets and functional hand-washing stations is expected to decrease the number of days missed due to illness.
Currently, students do not wash their hands following use of the latrines, or prior to eating. This contaminates food, causing illness. Without handwashing facilities these toilets fail to meet the minimum WHO requirements. In addition, the dirtiness of the toilets impacts the welfare of the students. Students are averse to using these toilets, which is an issue when girls are on their period.
Providing hand-washing stations and soap next to the girls' and boys' toilets. Investing in cleaning materials for the toilets and urinal. Improving the ventilation. Providing toilet paper and suitable holders.
Fewer illnesses amongst the student body will reduce missed school days. This will ensure that students receive a more complete education, improve their grades and hopefully allow them to enter college/university. It will also improve the welfare of the students.
