Water, Sanitation & Hygiene - Pencils of Promise

Why Water, Sanitation & Hygiene?

443 million school days are lost each year because of water-and sanitation-related diseases (UNDP). Through our WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) Program, we provide children with access to clean water, private bathrooms and good hygiene practices to foster the growth and development of students. We believe that providing safe, clean infrastructure, coupled with knowledge on hygiene behavior are essential for keeping kids healthy, happy and in school.

WASH WORKSHOPS

As a supplement to WASH infrastructure, we provide hygiene and sanitation lessons to educate students, teachers and communities on healthy sanitation behaviors. Each WASH Workshop is tailored to the local context, based on community-need and pre-existing infrastructure, access to a clean water source and community knowledge.

STUDENT-LED WASH CLUBS

Student-led WASH Clubs are held to enforce healthy behavior practices, such as handwashing, drinking clean water and toothbrushing. Student representatives are trained on how to explain the importance of drinking enough clean water to their peers, how to operate water filters properly and how to correctly clean and maintain the filters.

MAINTENANCE TRAINING

In-country WASH teams provide thoughtful instruction and training on maintenance of infrastructure and water filters to school staff and students. Maintenance training educates students and teachers on how to properly take care of provided materials in order to ensure they’re functioning properly

ONGOING SUPPORT

WASH Observations are conducted throughout the school year to evaluate the use of WASH infrastructure, WASH activities and student behaviors over time. We monitor and analyze the progress of sanitation habits in order to track student behavior change, and to ultimately create lifelong healthy practices.

WASH

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene are essential for a healthy future