Bhagapur, a small village with a population of approximately 1,500, is situated 50 kilometers from Parbhani district. Predominantly a farming community, the villagers depend heavily on soybean cultivation for their livelihood. Among this setting, stands the Zilla Parishad primary school, the only source of education for 61 children (31 girls and 30 boys) from grades 1 to 5. However, the school was far from providing a conducive learning environment due to poor infrastructure and hygiene challenges.
A call for immediate action – Addressing hygiene challenges in schools
The ZP school in Bhagapur faced multiple challenges that severely impacted the health and well-being of its students. As per the Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya norms, basic amenities like functional toilets and drinking water facilities were mandatory. Unfortunately, the toilets and urinals at the school were dysfunctional, creating an unhygienic environment. The water storage tank was damaged and the hand pump had stopped working. Consequently, children were forced to either go home to drink water or remain thirsty throughout the school day.
The environment surrounding the school significantly contributed to the challenges, making the situation even more difficult to manage. Unhygienic conditions, combined with the free movement of domestic animals and villagers after school hours, created an unsafe environment for children. The lack of financial support from the Gram Panchayat made it challenging for the school staff to address these pressing issues. Health issues among students became increasingly common, further affecting their attendance and performance.
The Turning Point
The situation began to change when Mr. S. S. Kathole, the school principal, attended a Zoom meeting organized by CYDA and UNICEF. The meeting focused on COVID-19 protocols and the concept of clean schools. CYDA played a pivotal role in supporting the Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya initiative by conducting targeted training programs to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation in Zilla Parishad schools. Through online sessions, CYDA equipped school authorities, teachers, and student leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain clean and hygienic school environments.
Key aspects of the program
1. Understanding Hygiene and Sanitation Protocols
- Emphasis on the importance of hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap and maintaining clean toilets.
- Training on proper waste segregation and disposal techniques to ensure environmentally sustainable practices.
2. COVID-19 Protocol Awareness
- Dissemination of information regarding COVID-19 prevention, including mask usage, social distancing, and surface sanitization.
- Demonstrations of effective cleaning procedures for high-touch areas in schools.
3. Behavioural Change Communication
- Strategies to foster a culture of hygiene among students and staff.
- Tools and techniques to engage students in cleanliness drives and hygiene education through interactive activities and peer-to-peer learning.
4. Capacity Building for School Management Committees
- Training school principals, teachers, and administrative staff on maintaining clean and hygienic facilities.
- Guidance on utilizing government schemes and funding under the SBSV initiative to improve infrastructure such as toilets, handwashing stations, and clean drinking water facilities.
Inspired and guided by the training, Mr. Kathole realized the urgent need for a comprehensive plan to address the school water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues. Mr. Kathole organized meetings with the School Management Committee to discuss the challenges faced by students and emphasized the critical role of WASH in creating a safe and healthy learning environment. The SMC, along with the Gram Panchayat, school staff and villagers, collectively recognized the immediate need for action. Despite their limited resources, they managed to raise approximately one lakh rupees to improve the school’s infrastructure.
The Transformation
With the funds collected, the school embarked on a journey of transformation. The dysfunctional toilets and urinals were renovated, complete with proper pipeline connections, tiles and sufficient water supply. New taps were installed, connected to a 500-liter drinking water tank and a dedicated handwashing station was set up to promote hygiene among the children.
To address the broader issue of cleanliness, the school compound was secured with a boundary wall, adorned with vibrant and educational wall paintings. Dustbins were placed strategically across the campus to manage waste effectively. The school also distributed masks and soaps to all students, reinforcing the importance of hygiene in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, a plan for a vermicomposting project was introduced, aiming to instil sustainable waste management practices among the children.
The Impact
The collective effort brought about a remarkable change in the school’s environment. The children, who once struggled with basic amenities, could now access clean and functional facilities. The renovated infrastructure not only improved hygiene but also created a sense of pride and belonging among the students.
Parents observed a positive change in their children’s health and enthusiasm for attending school. The hygienic surroundings significantly reduced the incidence of illnesses among students. With a clean and secure environment, the school became a hub of learning and joy.
Reflecting on the transformation, Mr. Kathole expressed his gratitude: “I would like to thank CYDA for providing us online training on clean school practices and COVID-19 protocols. We have succeeded in transforming the school into an ideal learning space.
The school was transformed into an ideal learning institution where children thrived in an environment carefully designed for their overall well-being. Civil Society involvement played a pivotal role in turning the school from a neglected facility into a model example, inspiring other villages to prioritize WASH initiatives in their schools and secure a brighter, healthier future for their children.
(This article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation Officer at CYDA)
