CLEAN WATER, HEALTHY FUTURES: SCHOOL WASH PROJECT

We are pleased to share progress on the Clean Water, Healthy Futures: School WASH Project, implemented by Afyaplus Organization. To date, the project continues to strengthen Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems in schools, with a strong emphasis on sustainable infrastructure, behavior change, and long-term impact.

During this reporting period, Afyaplus focused on strengthening and improving handwashing facilities in five (5) schools in the Dodoma Region. These interventions were informed by previous assessments that identified limited access to reliable handwashing infrastructure as a major barrier to proper hygiene practices in schools.

We supported the construction and upgrading of permanent handwashing stations, each designed with 8 water taps including a person with disability to accommodate a large number of students. Unlike temporary solutions such as buckets and jerry cans, these facilities provide a durable and long-lasting solution that ensures continuous access to water throughout the school day.

The project directly benefited 4380 students ( 2208 girls, 2172 boys ) also teachers, and school staff in the targeted schools. By improving access to handwashing facilities, the project has created safer and healthier learning environments, particularly for younger students and adolescent girls who are more vulnerable to hygiene-related challenges.

Schools are already reporting positive behavioral changes among students. Handwashing before and after meals, after using latrines, and after cleaning school compounds has significantly increased. Teachers and school administrators have noted improved cleanliness within school compounds and reduced congestion during handwashing times.

Additionally, no new cases of hygiene-related illnesses have been reported during the monitoring period, suggesting a positive link between improved WASH infrastructure and student health.

To ensure sustainability, the project works closely with school management committees, teachers, and local government authorities. Schools are encouraged to take ownership of the facilities and integrate hygiene promotion into daily routines. Afyaplus is also strengthening School WASH (SWASH) Clubs, which play a critical role in peer education, awareness creation, and long-term behavior change among students.

As we look ahead to the next phase of the Clean Water, Healthy Futures: School WASH Project, our commitment remains strong but the need is even greater. Every visit to a school reminds us that while progress has been made, many children are still learning in environments without reliable access to safe water and proper hygiene facilities. These children deserve the same chance to learn, grow, and thrive with dignity.

In the coming phase, Afyaplus will continue monitoring and supporting existing WASH facilities to ensure they remain functional and well cared for. At the same time, we dream bigger to reach more schools and communities in Dodoma, Iringa and beyond, strengthening both the physical infrastructure that brings clean water closer and the education and awareness that turns facilities into lasting habits.

This vision cannot be realized without you. We humbly call upon GlobalGiving partners, donors, and supporters to stand with us once again. Your support whether through funding, materials, or advocacy  will help us extend life-changing WASH solutions to more children and communities who need them most.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who has contributed, shared our story, and supported fundraising for this project. Because of you, children are washing their hands with confidence, attending school healthier, and looking toward a future filled with possibility. Together, we can reach even more schools and change even more lives.

Links:

• Afyaplus website, Search for us on Google