"Why are girls in some parts of the world still missing school because of their menstrual cycles?" - Michelle Obama As a basic principle, the provision of toilets is not a modern luxury but an absolute necessity. The lack of toilets means that children attending schools without toilets continue to defecate outside in the bushes or bodies of water. Our plan is to build 6 pit latrines for approximately 3000 children in 4 primary schools total 24 toilets in Bauchi and Gombe States
It has been recorded that 81% of the one billion people practising open defecation live in just 10 countries in the world, with Nigeria being one of them. The lack of toilets and open defecation is putting children in danger of deadly waterborne diseases; personal safety for young girls who are more vulnerable being kidnapped or rape. Other challenges are absenteeism, dropping out of schools. Having to control using the toilets all day can have a long-term health implication on the children.
The lack of toilet facilities has a "staggering" effect on the education of 3000 children. Our efforts will be focused on improving hygiene and sanitation by building 6 pit latrines in each of the 4 primary schools in Bauchi and Gombe States in North-Eastern Nigeria. Decrease in the number of bladder and stomach infections, fewer absences, drop-outs, improve safety for girls vulnerable to possible attacks. Provide training in hygiene, toilet and facilities maintenance at the schools.
The impact will extend beyond the girls we sponsored 3,000 children and their teachers will benefit. Reduce the number of children dropping out of school. Providing toilets means that pupils can spend more time in class learning. The long term impact of this project will reduce the children's exposure to outbreak of disease, by providing a solid and permanent structure enhancing a good healthy environment while also helping break the cycle of open defecation within parts of Northern Nigeria.
