In Zambia’s Western Province, many schools lack basic infrastructure: clean water, safe toilets, and hygiene knowledge are not readily available everywhere. This has a direct impact on daily school life, especially for girls, who often stay home during their periods because there are no suitable places to rest. Diseases such as diarrhea are also widespread and regularly lead to school closures. Education suffers. Since 2019, we have been working to improve the health of children in western Zambia by installing drinking water systems and adequate sanitation facilities, particularly at primary schools, and by enhancing hygiene education.
What we have achieved so far
In the first phase of the project, we were able to reach 28 schools – three more than originally planned. Over 9,800 children and more than 150 teachers are now benefiting from safe drinking water, functioning toilets, and new learning opportunities related to hygiene and nutrition. This involved drilling or repairing wells, constructing sanitary facilities (including washing facilities for girls), and creating school gardens.
Building on successes and expanding impact
Chauluti Primary School focused on growing its own vegetables right from the first phase of the project. However, since water had to be drawn from the well using physical effort, irrigation was initially difficult. The installation of a solar-powered borehole has improved this situation: “The improved water system has truly helped the school maintain and enrich the school garden despite the severe drought last growing season,” says teacher Mr. Miyombo happily. This is an example of how we are strategically developing the project based on our previous experiences and how diverse the impact of easy access to clean drinking water can be.
Hygiene and equal opportunities remain crucial factors in our project. New sanitary facilities will be designed to be hygienic, gender-segregated, and accessible. Washing facilities for girls will provide safe spaces and contribute to greater equality and participation in everyday school life. Furthermore, providing schools with basic hygiene products, in conjunction with awareness campaigns, promotes the need for behavioral change. Existing WASH clubs (WASH = Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) will receive further training to empower children and teachers to share their knowledge.
School and community work together – for sustainable change
This project is already showing results, as teacher Mr. Simandi explains: “Our WASH Club has even reached villages in the surrounding area – our students are passing on their knowledge.” Numerous volunteers are carrying out hygiene campaigns on waste disposal or safe toilet use – but it is primarily the children who are taking responsibility and actively educating their families and neighborhoods.
The change our project initiates extends far beyond the classroom. When schools and communities work hand in hand, it creates more than just access to water or toilets: it fosters a new awareness of health, the environment, and community.
Your support makes a difference
Your contribution will provide children in Zambia not only with clean water, but also with health, education and future prospects.
Donate now to help strong children in Zambia
Thank you very much for your support.
Partner organization: NACRO Zambia (New Apostolic Church Relief Organisation)