WASH Intervention in Schools for Everyone (WISE): Infrastructural development of child-friendly schools to promote WASH(Water and Sanitation Hygiene) and quality education

Although  education assumes the highest priority under India’s inclusive development mission, the sector faces alarming shortfalls in children’s learning and education outcomes.

Project background:

Inadequate infrastructure is considered to be a glaring concern. A majority of government or semi government school buildings are old and dilapidated structures. Such schools receive nominal amounts for maintenance resulting in poor infrastructure conditions. The dilapidated infrastructure is also a cause for concern for the safety of students and school authorities and can be considered risk hazards. The atmosphere and ambiance is extremely dull which results in poor motivation level of students as well as teachers. 

Current need :

The infrastructure and availability of facilities is worst in the government schools, a lot of people from the poorer and marginalized communities who want their children to have access to good education are forced to send their children to either government-aided or unaided private schools, increasing their expenditure for something which is a fundamental right of every citizen in the country. Several government and aided schools across rural and urban areas lack even basic facilities resulting in overall reduction in student performance outcomes.

United Way India is on a mission to develop child-friendly schools by constructing motivating classrooms on the  campus, ensuring hygiene and healthy practices to provide  better-quality education for students. This program works on these key activities  to promote quality education:

Sanitation facilities for school-going children: This includes designing and constructing toilets, providing maintenance and cleaning services, and educating students and staff on proper sanitation practices.

Project covers 300+ students and 15+ teaching and admin staff  per school.