Project complete: Hundreds of community members bring clean toilets for 607 students at Manyire
Project location: Manyire Primary School. GPS location: -3.454611, 36,805778
Manyire primary school is located in rural Arusha, Tanzania. Girls across rural Arusha face multiple challenges to healthy and hygienic means of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). These include inappropriate facilities for disposal of used sanitary wear, limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services needed to keep clean and safe during menstruation, and private spaces for MHM. These challenges directly impact on girls education as they will often not attend school when on their period due to the lack of facilities to manage it effectively. The existing toilets had no changing room, locking doors for privacy, or water system for handwashing.
The 12 new toilets will increase school attendance among 274 girls when they are in menstruation periods by increasing access to Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)- facilities (Girls friendly toilets). The project also included the construction of 2 toilets for 322 boys plus a urinal to help decrease disease caused by the current lack of WASH facilities at Manyire primary school.
The toilets before…
Community members helped with the construction of the new toilets:
In the first week of construction, our team on the ground, conducted an inception meeting with the community leaders and a few teachers at Manyire primary school. The meeting was based on discussing the potential partnership and tasks and responsibilities. The community showed their commitment by providing at least 10% of the project cost, the community at Manyire agreed to provide people power, digging the toilet hole and filling in sand in the empty rooms of the toilets. We were amazed to see the amount of people coming out to support the project.
“‘We are super excited to take part in this project because we know how important it is to our children.”
To provide the best environment for effective MHM the new toilets have:
12 cubicles with lockable doors
Privacy screen/wall that shields the block and washing areas from view
Handwashing facilities with soap provision
Facilities which allow girls to wash reusable MHM products
Painting the inside white to improve visibility
Installing full length mirrors for the girls to see any leakage
Cubicle space for girls to change and wash
Installing hooks so girls can hang up their clothes when washing
Menstrual waste bins/incinerator
The brand new toilets!
The impact of this project at Manyire:
Improved hygiene standards by providing 607 girls’ and boys with access to a hygienic cubicle, soap and water whilst at school
Increased confidence for 274 girls’ to manage their period whilst at school to avoid them feeling the need to stay at home during their period.
Decreased absenteeism for 274 girls can keep up to date with schoolwork and benefit from educational opportunities.
Stronger collaboration with the local community and government as we worked in partnership to successfully complete and maintain this project.
Celebrating the new toilets:
Cutting the ribbon to formally open the toilets
On 14th August Ndoto In Action celebrated the completion of the project at a formal inauguration ceremony symbolising the official handover of the girls' and boys toilet to the Manyire Primary School community. The school administration, students, parents, teachers, local leaders, and representatives from Ndoto In Action came together to mark this momentous occasion.
The celebration provided an opportunity for local leaders, parents, and teachers to share heartfelt speeches, emphasising the positive impact the girls' and boys toilet would have on the education and well-being of the girls in Manyire. The community went on to express their commitment to the sustainability of the project. This commitment was evident in their words, actions, and plans for the future. Agreements we made included:
Maintenance and Upkeep: The community members expressed their determination to take ownership of the girls' and boys toilet. They have established a maintenance committee comprising dedicated individuals responsible for ensuring its cleanliness, functionality, and overall upkeep.
Long-Term Collaboration: The Manyire community expressed a desire to continue collaborating with Ndoto In Action in various capacities. This collaborative spirit will extend to future projects that aim to uplift the community and empower its members.
Ndoto in Action receiving a certificate of recognition from the local council
Ndoto in Action received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Arusha District Council for the impact this project will have on the school and the community. This recognition underscored the importance of our collaborative efforts in creating a positive change in the community. It further highlighted the impact of projects like this and demonstrated the value of our partnerships with local authorities.
“As parents, we can’t say enough about how thankful we are for the girls friendly toilet. Th team behind the project put in tireless work to make sure that all the girls in the community have access to this vital facility and that it remains protected and well maintained for many years ahead. Our children can now enjoy a properly hygienic environment with ease of accessibility-and we are forever grateful!”
We are so thankful to ONE KIND ACT and BRINDA JAYKANT SHAH FOUNDATION for enabling this project to happen.
Made with Hope is run by dedicated volunteers here in the UK so 100% of the donations from this project went direct to this project at Manyire Primary School.