The Advocacy Project is seeking $5,000 to help our Ugandan partner, the Gulu Disabled Persons Union (GDPU), build an accessible latrine at the Ogul Primary School in northern Uganda. Enrollment at Ogul fell by over 30% this year, partly because the toilets are in such bad shape. This is particularly discouraging to students like Lydia, 11, seen above, who have a disability. By supporting this project, you will revitalize this community school and send a strong signal to the local government
Ogul School is one of many isolated rural schools in northern Uganda with latrines that are not accessible to students with disabilities. These latrines are neither safe, private, or clean. Such squat latrines are particularly difficult and unsanitary for disabled students, who may have to put their hands in the mess to prop themselves up. Many simply give up and go home during school hours, or drop out entirely, rather than use such latrines. This crisis poses a serious threat to education.
GDPU will install an accessible 4-stance, drainable pit latrine for students at Ogul Primary School. Ogul's teachers will also receive training from GDPU on inclusivity, anti-bullying, sanitation, and hygiene. This package will improve the health of Ogul students and boost enrollment. $4,000 will enable GDPU to fund the two accessible toilet stances (stalls) as well as the other two stances that will be used by female students providing an inclusive environment for all students.
We are confident that this important and innovative project will have a dramatic impact - not just on individual students at Ogul, but the entire school and community. The Ogul parents are desperate to see the quality of education improve, and enrollment increase - and they have shown their commitment by helping to dig the latrine. Better sanitation will attract back students, and revitalize the school and community. Others will be watching carefully to see whether this experiment succeeds!
