Insights 7 - Sanitation in Schools_Odisha July 2018_ver 3.0

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Incorporate age appropriate WASH education in school curriculum
• Empower students to raise their voices
• Advocate partnerships between government, NGO’s, and other CSR initiatives for better reach
• For WASH services to be available all the time, it is essential for the school management committee, children cabinets, teachers & parents to work together
• Sharing of evidence on the benefits of adopting WASH practices with all the stakeholders
• Convergence of multi-department towards WASH implementation (such as in the process of School Development Plans and the Gram Panchayat Development Plan)
• Address issues related to providing running water facility in schools
• Pilot initiatives on behavioral changes
• Encourage contribution from philanthropic agencies towards Swachh Vidhyalay Purashkar
• Involve senior citizens in WASH activities (urban)
• Use existing monitoring mechanism efficiently
• Create a forum to promote WASH

Availability of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Services (WASH) in schools is not only essential but also beneficial for a comfortable environment that enhances the health of the children. Research studies over the years have proven that WASH in schools increases attendance, promotes cognitive development, improves girl attendance and also helps augment positive hygiene behaviour. WASH in schools also offers a chance to introduce better practices in families and the larger communities while also assisting in addressing issues of inequity and exclusion. WASH in schools can be a powerful agent for change that has the potential to enable progressive changes in society.

However, children in many parts of the country are unable to benefit from WASH in schools. Even in educational establishments where adequate facilities are in place, equitable access has often proven to be a challenge. There are many barriers to access, which include education, cleanliness and maintenance.