WASH in Schools (WinS)

Transforming Lives Through WASH: Empowering Rural Schools in Marathwada

In the heart of Maharashtra’s Marathwada region lies a challenge that millions of children face daily—a lack of clean water, functional toilets, and basic hygiene facilities in schools. MGVS, a committed non-profit organization, is on a mission to change this narrative through its comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program. By building infrastructure and capacity in schools, MGVS is not just improving facilities but transforming lives, particularly for marginalized children of sugarcane-cutting migrant families.

What is WASH and Why Does it Matter?

WASH refers to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene—a set of essential practices and infrastructure that ensure access to safe drinking water, functional toilets, and hygiene education. In schools, WASH is more than just facilities; it is a critical enabler of health, education, and dignity.

Access to clean water and proper sanitation reduces absenteeism, especially among girls, and ensures that children can learn in a safe and healthy environment. Without it, the risk of waterborne diseases, poor hygiene practices, and health issues skyrockets, impeding a child's right to education and a better future.

The Grim Reality in Rural Marathwada Schools

In the rural government schools of Marathwada, WASH facilities are almost non-existent. Many schools rely on contaminated water with dangerously high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels, exposing children to serious health risks. Toilets, where available, are in disrepair—unsanitary, dysfunctional, and unusable.

For children from sugarcane-cutting migrant families, the situation is even worse. Their lives are marked by frequent migration, lack of basic amenities, and interrupted schooling. These children deserve better—clean water, functional toilets, and the dignity of proper hygiene facilities.

MGVS: Bridging the Gap with a Vision

MGVS is spearheading a transformative initiative to improve WASH facilities in 30 government schools across Marathwada. These schools cater to over 5,000 children, including many from marginalized and migrant communities.

Our Achievements So Far:

• Installed RO water filtration units, providing safe drinking water to 15000+ students.
• Built handwashing stations and drinking water stations in 35 schools, fostering better hygiene practices.
• Conducted several training sessions for children, teaching personal hygiene, waste management, and leadership skills.
• Formed 4 Children’s Committees in each school, consisting of :

" Food & Water Committee".

" Sports, Environment & Cultural Committee".

"Women's Health & Hygiene Committee".

"Academics and Modern Technology Committee".

empowering students to take charge of WASH initiatives.

The Need is Urgent

Despite these strides, the road ahead is long and challenging. The lack of clean water and sanitation in schools continues to plague thousands of children. We urgently need funds to:

1. Build and repair toilets: Ensure every school has clean, functional, and accessible sanitation facilities.
2. Install more water filtration plants: Provide safe drinking water in all 30 schools, reducing the health risks associated with contaminated water.
3. Construct handwashing and drinking water stations: Promote good hygiene practices and reduce the spread of diseases.
4. Train children and teachers: Equip them with knowledge and skills to maintain WASH facilities and sustain hygiene practices.

Impact of Your Support

Your contributions can help:

• Enable over 5,000+ children to access clean water and proper sanitation.
• Reduce school absenteeism, especially among girls.
• Foster a generation of environmentally conscious and healthy students.
• Support children from sugarcane-cutting families in continuing their education.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Every child deserves a safe, clean, and healthy environment to learn and thrive. By supporting MGVS, you are not just donating to a cause; you are investing in the future of thousands of children who deserve a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and deprivation.

Together, We Can:

• Build a sustainable WASH ecosystem in rural Marathwada.
• Ensure every child has access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education.
• Empower communities to take ownership of WASH practices, ensuring long-term impact.

How You Can Help

Your support, big or small, can make a significant difference. Donate today to help us build handwashing stations, water filtration plants, drinking water stations, and proper toilets. Together, we can transform schools into safe havens of learning and growth.

Let’s create a world where no child is deprived of their right to education and health due to the lack of basic facilities. Join MGVS in making WASH a reality for every school.