Improving health and learning through better water, sanitation and hygiene in schools
Access to safe and reliable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is a critical precondition for providing a safe school environment that supports equal opportunities for high-quality education and healthy development of children. To create WASH-friendly and health-promoting schools, common problems beyond the provision of proper WASH infrastructure – such as toilets and taps – need to be addressed. Operation and maintenance, education and persisting taboos, such as talking about toilet use and menstrual hygiene matters, also need to be tackled. This information package offers practical support for school staff on how to address common WASH problems and deliver improvements at the school level, alongside pupils and the entire school community. It will help schools strengthen health education and implement whole-school policies that promote the health, well-being and dignity of pupils and school staff, making every school a health-promoting school.
