Education Tanzania, United Republic of Project #72565

SCHOOL TOILET RENOVATION PROJECT

by AfyaPlus Organization

Project Report | Jun 8, 2026
PROGRESS REPORT

By Agreyson Nyenza | Program Officer

Renovated school toilet facilities at school

Imagine a school where toilet facilities are no longer safe to use. Where broken doors, collapsed pit structures, and poor sanitation conditions make it difficult for children to use the restroom with dignity. At Mapogoro B Primary School in Mbarali District, Mbeya Region, this was once the reality.

Before this intervention, the school faced severe sanitation challenges. The existing toilet facilities were old, unsafe, and insufficient for the growing number of students. Many children, especially girls, struggled with privacy and dignity, and in some cases avoided using the school toilets altogether. This situation exposed learners to health risks, increased absenteeism, and negatively affected concentration in class. Poor sanitation in schools is not only a health issue it is an education issue. When children do not have access to safe and clean toilets, their ability to learn, participate, and remain in school is significantly affected. Girls are particularly vulnerable, especially during menstruation, when lack of proper facilities can lead to missed school days and even dropout risks.

It is within this context that Afyaplus Organization, with the support of its partners and donors, implemented the School Toilet Renovation Project aimed at improving sanitation infrastructure and ensuring that every child has access to safe, clean, and dignified toilet facilities.

During Quarter Two of implementation, significant progress was achieved in the renovation and improvement of sanitation facilities at Mapogoro B Primary School. The project focused on restoring and upgrading existing toilet infrastructure to meet acceptable hygiene and safety standards. This included structural repairs, improvement of ventilation, strengthening of slabs, and ensuring usability and durability of the facilities.

A key milestone during this quarter was the near completion of renovation works on the school sanitation block. The improved toilets now provide safer and more private facilities for students, significantly enhancing their dignity and comfort while at school. Doors and partitions were improved to ensure privacy, while structural reinforcements were carried out to enhance safety and long-term usability.

The project has directly benefited the entire school population, including both boys and girls, by restoring access to functional sanitation facilities. These improvements are expected to significantly reduce open defecation risks, improve hygiene practices, and contribute to a healthier school environment.

Alongside infrastructure improvements, Afyaplus continues to emphasize hygiene education as a critical component of sustainable sanitation. Through School Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SWASH) Clubs and Community-Based Trainers, students are being educated on proper toilet use, handwashing practices, and general cleanliness. These behavioral change activities ensure that the improved infrastructure is used correctly and maintained properly.

Community participation has also played an important role in the success of this project. Local community members contributed labor and supported implementation activities, reinforcing ownership and sustainability. Their involvement ensures that the renovated facilities are not only delivered but also protected and maintained by the community itself.

During implementation, some challenges were encountered, particularly related to aging infrastructure that required more extensive repairs than initially anticipated. However, strong collaboration between Afyaplus, the school administration, and the local community ensured that these challenges were effectively addressed without delaying overall progress.

The impact of the renovation is already visible. Students now have access to safer, cleaner, and more private toilet facilities. This has improved school attendance, especially among girls, and has enhanced overall hygiene practices within the school. Teachers also report a more conducive learning environment, as students are now more comfortable and confident in attending school daily.

Looking ahead, Afyaplus will continue to monitor the use and maintenance of the renovated facilities while strengthening hygiene education through SWASH Clubs. Additional efforts will focus on ensuring long-term sustainability through community engagement and routine maintenance systems.

From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our sincere gratitude to all donors and partners who made this progress possible. Your support has contributed directly to restoring dignity, safety, and health for children at Mapogoro B Primary School. Because of your generosity, students now learn in an environment that respects their basic human needs and supports their educational success.

Together, we are not only renovating toilets we are restoring dignity, protecting health, and improving education outcomes for vulnerable children. We remain committed to expanding this impact to more schools and ensuring that every child has access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities.

Renovated Toilet handover day with community

Local community participation

Afyaplus WASH technical team in action

Community awareness meeting to promote WASH

Links:

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Feb 3, 2026
SCHOOL TOILET RENOVATION PROJECT REPORT ONE

By Suzan Yumbe | Project Leader

Renovated toilet block by Afyaplus

The Renovate Our School Toilet project is designed with clear, measurable outcomes to ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful impact for every contribution received through GlobalGiving.

According to Iringa Regional education data (2025), 69.4% of schools (337 out of 521) have unimproved toilet facilities. Poor sanitation has contributed to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, with 8.43% of reported water-related disease cases affecting school children. These illnesses lead to absenteeism, poor learning outcomes, and increased dropout rates especially among girls.

This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and responds to the urgent need to ensure that children in rural schools are not left behind.

Through this project, Afyaplus aims to achieve the following measurable results:

5 school toilet facilities renovated and upgraded to meet national SWASH standards, including clean latrines, water systems, handwashing stations, and privacy features for girls.
6,673 students and teachers (3,558 girls and 3,115 boys) gain access to safe, hygienic, and dignified sanitation facilities.
Reduction in waterborne and hygiene-related illnesses among school children, contributing to improved health and wellbeing.
Improved school attendance and retention, particularly among girls, by addressing menstruation-related barriers.
Increased student confidence and dignity, resulting from access to private, safe, and gender-responsive sanitation facilities.
Enhanced hygiene knowledge and practices through WASH education, Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), and ASRHR sessions.

Afyaplus has already successfully renovated one school toilet facility, fully equipped with a water system, girls’ changing room, incinerator, and a handwashing station with eight taps. This facility is currently serving 301 students, demonstrating the immediate and tangible impact of donor support.

Afyaplus will conduct regular monitoring and follow-up visits to ensure that renovated facilities remain functional and well maintained. The project team will track key indicators such as facility usage, hygiene practices, and student attendance in collaboration with school management and local authorities.

The need remains urgent. Many schools are still operating with unsafe sanitation facilities. Afyaplus is seeking partners, donors, and sponsors to help us expand this work and reach more schools and communities in need. With your support, we can improve health, reduce absenteeism, restore students’ confidence, and create safe learning environments where every child can thrive.

We are committed to full transparency and accountability. Donors and supporters will receive regular updates, stories, photos, and impact reports through the GlobalGiving platform, highlighting how their contributions are being used and the difference they are making in students’ lives. Every donation will be acknowledged, and progress updates will be shared throughout the implementation period.

With your continued support, Afyaplus can expand this life-changing work to more schools ensuring safe sanitation, better health, and brighter futures for children in Iringa Region and beyond.

Inside toilet block view

Links:

Afyaplus website, Search for us on Google

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