Access to clean water and proper sanitation is critical for the health and success of students, particularly in schools.
In the Bongo district of Ghana, two senior high schools—Saint John’s Integrated Senior High School in Navrongo and Azeem -Namoa Senior High Technical School—have faced significant challenges due to inadequate water supply and poor sanitation facilities.
However, recent interventions by the Center for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (C-WASH), a non-governmental organization (NGO), are bringing much-needed relief to these schools.
With funding from the NSPR Foundation, C-WASH has installed solar-powered mechanized water systems at both schools, significantly improving access to safe water and sanitation for students and staff.
Challenges Faced by Students and Staff
Before the intervention, the situation at both schools was dire. Saint John’s Integrated Senior High School, with a population of over 1,500 students, struggled with the complete absence of water on campus.
“This school has no water at all, a toilet facility exists, but it is not functional. The lack of water is hampering teaching and learning, and it’s affecting the overall well-being of the students.”
Samuel Vorlashie Project Manager Centre for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
For students at the Azeem-Namoa Senior High and Technical School, which has a population of about 800 students and 40 staff members, access to water was also a major problem.
“We always suffer a lot to get water on campus. Sometimes we go outside to fetch water, but outside, they always harass [we] the girls. It is always difficult for us to get water and go to class early, or do other activities.’’
A student of Azeem -Namoa SHS
We depend on only one borehole, which sometimes gets spoiled.”
A student of Azeem -Namoa SHS
C-WASH’s Intervention: Solar-Powered Systems
The situation changed when C-WASH stepped in to address the pressing need for water and sanitation in both schools.
Through the installation of solar-powered mechanized water systems, each equipped with a 3,000-liter water storage tank, C-WASH has ensured a continuous supply of safe drinking water for the schools.
“This project will give us water 24 hours a day, so we don’t have to go outside to look for water, the water will flow to the dormitories, and students will be able to fetch water there. This will reduce the time lost previously while looking for water and will improve instructional hours.”
Ebenezer Tei Headmaster of Azeem -Namoa SHS
The new water systems have been a game changer, not just for students but also for the teachers and staff.
Meanwhile, with water now available, students can take care of their hygiene, and girls, especially, will be able to manage their menstrual health more easily. This intervention is helping to ensure that students are healthier, more comfortable, and better able to focus on their studies.
Addressing Sanitation Issues
In addition to providing water, C-WASH has also taken steps to address the sanitation needs of the schools.
Many of the toilet facilities at both institutions were either non-functional or inadequate for the large student populations. As part of the initiative, C- -WASH will rehabilitate the existing toilet facilities to make them usable.
“We did a baseline assessment and found that some students weren’t even bathing because there was no water, this was affecting teaching and learning.
Girls, in particular, faced challenges in managing their menstrual cycles because of the lack of water and clean facilities. Our intervention will help improve sanitation and reduce the risk of open defecation.”
Samuel Vorlashie Project Manager Centre for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
The rehabilitation of toilet facilities is crucial in improving hygiene and ensuring that students can focus on their studies rather than worrying about basic needs.
Sustainability and Community Involvement
To ensure the sustainability of the water systems, both schools have set up a monitoring committee, known as the “watch committee.”
This committee made up of students and staff, will be responsible for regularly inspecting the water and sanitation facilities to ensure they are functioning properly.
“We have formed a watch committee that will go around inspecting the facilities, if there is a problem, they will report to management, and management will take the necessary actions.”
Ebenezer Tei Headmaster of Azeem -Namoa SHS
This community-driven approach is vital for the long-term success of the initiative.
By involving students and staff in the maintenance and monitoring of the water systems, the schools are ensuring that the facilities will be properly cared for and that any issues will be quickly addressed.
The donation of solar-powered mechanized water systems and the rehabilitation of sanitation facilities at Saint John’s Integrated Senior High School and Azeem-Namoa Senior High and Technical School marks a significant milestone in improving the health, well-being, and academic performance of students in the Bongo district.
The initiative, funded by the NSPR Foundation and implemented by C-WASH, is a powerful example of how NGOs can make a tangible impact in addressing critical issues such as water access and sanitation in schools.
With continued support and community involvement, these schools can look forward to a brighter, more sustainable future.
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