In times of the Covid-19 pandemic, which also affects Malawi, clean water, hygiene and handwashing with soap is paramount. The quantity of water needed has increased. Children and families need clean water and soap within easy reach to protect themselves from the dangerous virus.
This is not a matter of fact in Malawi. Half of the approximately 20 million inhabitants in Malawi have no direct access to clean drinking water or toilets.
Before our project began, people in the Mzimba district used unsafe water sources, which were often far away. None of the schools in the district used to have adequate and clean toilets. Children were using unsafe water that was also used by animals, creating the risk that children might contract infectious diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery and cholera. In the past, parents refrained from sending their children to school for fear of infection. Since supplying water is the task of women, they often had to travel long distances to obtain it. As a result, girls often lacked time and energy for school.
This is how we help:
Most of the existing sanitary facilities of the public schools in Mzimba district were inadequate in number and condition, for example because doors are missing. Therefore we provide new sanitation facilities with hand washing facilities for 26 public schools. The Malawian Ministry of Education provides soap to the schools.
Pupils and teachers are involved in health care, so-called wash clubs provide education, raise awareness and ensure appropriate measures to improve hygiene in schools. Awareness-raising activities provide education about the risks of poor hygiene. The community is also mobilised to support the project. Mothers are trained in the production of reusable menstrual hygiene pads. These pads are made out of cloth and can be washed in order to be reused so girls don’t have to remain absent from school during their menstruation period.
Regular school attendance, better grades: For the children, the new, hygienic environment is a benefit; they no longer get ill as often and can attend lessons regularly.
Project: 62294
Become a sponsor of the project: You can support this project permanently by sponsoring it for € 15 per month.
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