Summary

The crowdfunding campaign aims to provide support for the realization of a structuring micro-project that advocates for a holistic approach between sanitation, hygiene, environment, ecological agriculture, nutrition, and green economy.

Challenge

In Senegal, 24.5% of schools are without water; 21.7% without sanitation and 27.2% without hand washing device. The school environment and student attendance are intimately linked. They also have an impact on success and academic results. The lack of specific equipment (access to water, presence of toilets, fence, etc.) is a factor in school dropout and failure, especially for girls. This is a factor justifying the difference of 25.3% noted between Gross Enrolment Rate 95.7% and Gross Completion Rate 70.4%. Despite the efforts made, the needs of schools in terms of access to water, sanitation and fencing remain enormous. According to the National Synthesis Report of Education Statistics and Indicators (RNSI), in public elementary schools, the percentage of classrooms in poor condition is 8.1% in 2020. Regarding classrooms in temporary shelters, they represent 7.6%.

Solution

This project will make it possible to provide solutions through the establishment of infrastructures (Sanitary Block with device for disabled people and the management of menstrual hygiene, Classrooms in Terracotta Brick, Hand Washing Device, fence school space), support for the capacity building of the teaching staff, and the development of green spaces or school gardens. These school gardens will be managed by the school with the collaboration of the Associations Mères d’Elèves (AME) and youth associations.

Long-Term Impact

With this project, 60 girls and 40 boys in schools will be impacted by providing sanitation infrastructure and promoting development of green area in their school. Additionally, this project will give importance to the education in rural areas and to access to suitable basic infrastructure contributing to create favourable conditions for the education of children and giving them confidence. Schools will become more attractive and this will contribute to a better image of schools and the community. An improvement in the schooling conditions of pupils and teaching teams (with water, sanitation and a green and secure environment) contributes to an increase in the number of students and a change in the success rates for CFEE exams. Lastly, access to Sanitary Blocks (BS) eliminates open defecation in or around schools and prevents children and teachers from leaving school to defecate at home or at neighbours around schools.