FREETOWN: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene at school

Learning in a healthier environment

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in schools is included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, targets 4.a, 6.1 and 6.2). An acknowledgement that quality education and access to water and sanitation go hand in hand. 

Access to clean drinking water, safe toilets and hand washing facilities help students stay healthy, focus on learning and attend school with dignity.

Under the SDG standards, a school is considered to have basic WASH services when students can drink safe water, use clean and functioning toilets that are separated for boys and girls, and wash their hands with water and soap.

Water infrastructure is not enough

Organisations such as UNICEF, World Health Organization and many WASH practitioners emphasise that water infrastructure alone is not enough. Lasting impact comes when students understand the importance of hygiene and safe water practices. 

Since children spend a large part of their day at school, this makes schools one of the most important places to promote health, hygiene and wellbeing, turning them into lifelong habits. 

That is why many schools involved in water infrastructure projects establish WASH Clubs alongside the improved water and sanitation facilities.

What Is a WASH Club?

Around the world, WASH Clubs are increasingly recognised as an effective way to turn students into ambassadors for health and hygiene, not only at school, but in the wider community. 

A WASH Club is a student-led group that helps promote good practices around water, sanitation and hygiene at school. Members learn about topics such as handwashing, safe drinking water, environmental cleanliness, puberty and menstrual health. 

Children become active participants in creating a healthier school environment. They share knowledge with fellow students, help encourage healthy behaviours, and help maintain WASH facilities at school.

Studies and WASH programmes show that students often carry these lessons home, influencing behaviours within their families and communities.

Creating the Next Generation of WASH Champions

The combination of safe water infrastructure and student-led education is what makes programmes like this extra powerful.

The borehole and water facilities at school provide the foundation. The WASH Club helps ensure that students understand the importance of hygiene, sanitation and safe water use, and gives them the confidence to share that knowledge with others.

As a result, the impact extends far beyond access to water alone. It helps create a new generation of young people who are equipped to improve health, dignity and wellbeing in their communities.