Enhanced Sanitation Facilities Program

Overview

Sanitation is a critical component of a healthy learning environment. However, many public primary schools in Uganda, especially in rural and underserved areas, lack safe, private, and inclusive sanitation facilities. Poor sanitation not only undermines students’ health and dignity but also significantly contributes to high absenteeism, particularly among girls during menstruation, and learners with disabilities who are often excluded due to inaccessible facilities.

Through the Rotary Safari for WASH Fellowship, we aim to bridge this gap by supporting the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of safe, gender-sensitive, and disability-inclusive sanitation facilities in UPE schools across Uganda. This aligns with national and global goals for quality education (SDG 4) and clean water and sanitation (SDG 6).

Program Objective

To improve health, dignity, and school attendance through the provision of safe, inclusive, and sustainable sanitation infrastructure in Uganda’s public primary schools.

Key Program Components & Activities

1. Sanitation Needs Assessment

Each beneficiary school undergoes a comprehensive sanitation assessment to determine:

• The number and condition of existing latrines

• Learner-to-toilet ratio (national standard: 1:40 for girls, 1:60 for boys)

• Access to facilities for children with disabilities

• Sanitation infrastructure gaps (ventilation, lighting, privacy, drainage, etc.)

• Availability of menstrual hygiene facilities for girls

2. Construction & Rehabilitation of Latrine Blocks

Based on assessment findings, the following activities are implemented:

• Construction of New Latrines

  • Modern ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines or waterborne toilets where feasible

  • Separate latrines for boys, girls, and staff

  • Dedicated and accessible latrines for learners with disabilities, compliant with inclusive WASH standards

• Rehabilitation of Existing Facilities

  • Renovation of structurally unsafe, unhygienic, or non-functional latrines

  • Upgrading of privacy and safety features: lockable doors, ventilation, lighting

• ✅ Menstrual Hygiene-Friendly Facilities

  • Designated rooms or space for menstrual hygiene management

  • Provision for disposal bins and water access within or near the toilets

3. Installation of Supporting Infrastructure

To complement sanitation improvements and ensure full functionality, we provide:

• Drainage systems to manage wastewater and prevent stagnation

• Accessible handwashing stations near every latrine block (with water and soap)

• Rainwater harvesting systems for latrine cleaning and handwashing

• Proper signage to encourage proper latrine use and maintenance

4. Maintenance and Sustainability

Sanitation facilities require regular maintenance to remain safe and usable. Our program supports:

• Training of school caretakers and WASH Committees in routine cleaning and repairs

• Establishment of Sanitation Maintenance Funds (school and community-supported)

• Sensitization of learners on proper toilet use, hygiene, and cleaning responsibilities

• Development of maintenance schedules and duty rosters

National Sanitation Standards Addressed

Our sanitation work aims to support UPE schools in meeting the following Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports WASH guidelines:

• Minimum of 1 stance per 40 girls and 1 per 60 boys

• Gender-segregated sanitation facilities

• At least one latrine that is accessible to children with disabilities

• Proper solid waste management and drainage systems

• Water and soap available for handwashing near latrines

Expected Outcomes

•  Improved access to safe, hygienic, and inclusive sanitation for students and staff

•  Increased attendance and retention, especially among adolescent girls

•  Reduction in sanitation-related illnesses such as diarrhea and urinary tract infections

•  Strengthened school and community capacity to manage sanitation facilities

•  Promotion of positive hygiene behaviors and respect for shared spaces