IDECO’s Needs Assessment on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Nine Schools with findings, Challenges, and the Way Forward

IDECO’s Needs Assessment on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in nine Schools with Findings, Challenges, and the Way Forward #Kumasi #Ghana

Overview of the Assessment:

IDECO, in partnership with the School Health Education Program (SHEP) Coordinator, Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and the District Girl Child Coordinator, conducted a comprehensive Needs Assessment to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) conditions in nine (9) schools across three key districts in Kumasi:

. Asokore Mampong Municipality

. Kwabre East Municipality

. Afigya Kwabre District

The objective of the assessment was to identify gaps and challenges in WASH infrastructure and practices, particularly in relation to students' health, hygiene, and overall learning environment.

The findings revealed significant inadequacies that demand urgent attention. Key findings included inadequate water supply, poor sanitation infrastructure, poor hygiene practices, poor waste management, health risks and environmental challenges.

Key findings revealed that none of the nine schools assessed had running water in their toilet facilities, forcing students to fetch water from distant sources. Water scarcity not only affected drinking water availability but also hindered sanitation and handwashing practices. Schools depended on outdated traditional latrines, all of which were in an appalling state. The structures had cracked walls, broken doors, and poor ventilation, while the severely damaged floors were littered with human waste. In terms of waste management, other refuse and used sanitary pads were either discarded in the overflowing, dilapidated latrines or partially burned, as the fabric made complete incineration impossible. Menstrual waste was scattered around, creating an unhygienic and distressing environment for students. The absence of privacy and proper waste disposal facilities disproportionately impacted girls, discouraging them from using the toilets.
Poor sanitation and hygiene conditions led to frequent illnesses such as diarrhea, infections, and skin diseases, particularly for girls. Inadequate WASH facilities disproportionately affected girls, causing increased absenteeism, particularly during menstruation. Some students deliberately refrained from drinking water during school hours to avoid using unhygienic toilets, negatively impacting their concentration and academic performance

Challenges facing WASH improvements in these schools include limited funding and resources, lack of maintenance culture, inadequate government support, cultural and behavioral barriers, and environmental challenges. With adequate funding, IDECO is prepared to implement a holistic WASH improvement program in the affected schools, focusing on key interventions such as provision of running water, construction and rehabilitation of sanitation facilities, menstrual hygiene management, handwashing stations, waste management and hygiene education, community and stakeholder engagement, and advocating for increased government support and policy development for WASH improvements in schools

The expected impact of the project includes health improvement, increased school attendance, better learning environments, empowerment of girls, and environmental protection. IDECO remains committed to creating sustainable WASH solutions, but partnerships and funding are crucial to making this vision a reality. Join us in making a difference—every act of support counts!

All the WASH Needs Assessment Projects can be found HERE

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