The Kemira supported water and sanitation project in Garsain in northern India improves sanitation and water infrastructure in 30 schools. The students in rural area are given information of better health and hygienic practises. Parents, teachers and government officials are also involved.
Clean water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygienic practises are a major cause of mortality in India. According to shocking statistics over 1000 children die every day due to different harmful diseases i.e. diarrhoea. Standard of hygiene is poor and majority of the people in rural areas have no access to sanitation facilities. Plan India reports that more than half of the schools in Garsain area are without toilet facilities and there is no drinking water for children in every school.
The present status of sanitation facilities
Hygiene block construction
This co-operation project between Plan and Kemira focuses on maintaining and expanding water and sanitation facilities in target area schools. Construction of toilets benefits especially girls, as many schools do not have separate toilets for female students. At the same time small children are informed about better hygiene practises and the use of toilets.
Pictures from hygiene sessions
Behaviour change in sanitation issues is one of the huge challenges in the area. Removing of habit of bad health practises is positive also for the environment. Student Health Clubs are established in schools with students as leaders and leadership opportunities for girls are strongly promoted.
Awareness generation workshop with children, community members and teachers
Co-operation between school management committees, teachers and officials is strengthened. Teachers work together and share techniques and every school has its own water and sanitation action plan. Students have attended workshops and different hygiene promotion campaigns in their schools and surroundings.
Pictures: © Plan Finland