The challenge
At Inhagoia B Primary School, sanitation facilities for both its 1415 students were in a critical state. Toilets were broken, blocked, and unhygienic, with faecal matter on the floor, no water supply, and strong odours. The facilities posed serious health risks, discouraged use, and undermined students’ dignity. For many pupils, particularly the 721 girls, using the school toilets was unsafe and uncomfortable, leading some students to avoid them altogether or leave school during the day to use facilities elsewhere. This negatively affected well-being, concentration, and school attendance.
The intervention
As part of its wider work to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools, WSUP rehabilitated the two WASH blocks, each with nine cubicles for students and one cubicle for teachers at Inhagoia B Primary School. The intervention was designed to address both infrastructure and usability, with a strong focus on safety, privacy, and hygiene for girls. The improvements included:
• Functional, clean toilets with doors that lock from the inside
• Reliable water supply for flushing and handwashing
• Handwashing stations with taps to promote hygiene practices
• Access to safe drinking water
• Facilities that are consistently maintained and kept clean
• Special cubicles for people with disabilities
• Special cubicle for girls in menstrual period
The school community was engaged to support the proper use and upkeep of the facilities.
The results
The upgraded sanitation facilities have delivered clear benefits for students across the school:
• Improved health and hygiene: Regular access to water and handwashing helps reduce the risk of disease.
• Increased safety and privacy: Girls now have secure, private toilets, improving comfort and dignity.
• Improved attendance and learning environment: Students feel more comfortable at school and are more motivated to attend regularly.
• Wider school benefits: Improved water access supports activities such as maintaining the school garden, contributing to a healthier school environment.
Florencia reports that she now feels comfortable using the toilets and no longer worries about sanitation when going to school. She also expresses pride in her school and greater enthusiasm for attending classes.
Impact and sustainability
This intervention benefits all students at Inhagoia B Primary School and forms part of WSUP’s broader approach to strengthening WASH services in educational settings. By improving sanitation infrastructure alongside hygiene practices and school ownership, the project supports long-term use and maintenance of the facilities.
The case demonstrates how safe, reliable, and girl-friendly sanitation in schools directly supports student wellbeing, dignity, and attendance, while creating an enabling environment for learning. The improvements will continue to benefit current students and future cohorts, ensuring lasting impact beyond the initial intervention.