During the Covid-19 pandemic, we delivered emergency hand washing workshops to the schools and surrounding communities in Kanjoo. Our team on the ground, Isaac and Purity (both trained in WASH education through courses and diplomas), provided education, washing stations, soaps, hand-drying resources and instruction leaflets to homes and schools, to prevent the spread of the disease.

In 2023, in preparation for our schools’ development plan of building permanent toilets in each of our partner schools, we organised a 3-day WASH training programme for schools. Two members of staff from each school volunteered to become THI WASH ToT’s (Trainers of Trainees) and a successful programme was delivered to 12 members of staff across the 6 schools by Public Health Officers employed by THI. These 12 staff members then went back to their schools and shared their education with the staff and pupils. The most immediate impact seen was the setting up of “Tippy Taps”; jerry cans filled with water for hand washing and tipped via a foot pedal. Soaps were provided by THI to support this initiative.

Obviously once the toilet blocks have been built in each school, hand washing basins with running water will replace these “Tippy taps” but the education is starting. Staff and pupils are already washing their hands before lunch and after using the toilets. This will see a huge reduction in sickness and a subsequent rise in school attendance. The impact is being monitored and assessed.

Other areas that were covered in the training and that will be introduced in the schools are:

  • The provision of safe drinking water and water treatment tanks.
  • The construction of gender specific toilets and with hygiene and hand washing facilities to prevent cholera, diarrhea and other disease outbreaks.
  • The provision of a wash room with running water to support menstrual hygiene including education on menstrual management to support female attendance and comfort.
  • School and community engagement and hygiene promotion including the washing of food.

Our ultimate aim, with every project that we do, is to improve access to education and alleviate poverty long term.

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