WASH Programs (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

WASH Programs (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)

WASH Programs (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)

WiGLI believes that safe water, adequate sanitation, and good hygiene are foundational to child health, education, and dignity. Our WASH programs ensure that children, families, and communities have access to clean water, improved sanitation facilities, and the knowledge and resources to practice healthy hygiene behaviors.

We focus on child-friendly, inclusive, and sustainable WASH solutions that not only reduce disease but also improve school attendance, especially for girls, and strengthen resilience against water-related challenges.

Key Components

  • Access to safe water and improved sanitation in schools and child-friendly spaces
  • Hygiene promotion including menstrual hygiene and oral health
  • Hygiene kits and caregiver behavior change education

Key Service Areas

1

Access to Safe Water & Improved Sanitation in Schools and Child-Friendly Spaces

We work to make schools and community spaces healthy, dignified environments for all children.

Service Details:

  • Water Supply Systems: Installation or rehabilitation of boreholes, protected wells, rainwater harvesting systems, and gravity-fed water systems to ensure safe and reliable water access.
  • Improved Sanitation Facilities: Construction or upgrading of gender-segregated, disability-friendly latrines in schools, health posts, and child-friendly spaces.
  • Handwashing Infrastructure: Setting up handwashing stations with soap and water near toilets, kitchens, and classrooms.
  • Water Quality Monitoring: Regular testing and treatment to maintain safe drinking water standards.

Expected Impact:

  • Reduced incidence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid.
  • Increased school attendance, particularly among girls, due to improved privacy and menstrual hygiene facilities.
  • Better learning outcomes through healthier, more focused students.
2

Hygiene Promotion, Including Menstrual Hygiene and Oral Health

We go beyond infrastructure by promoting life-long healthy habits.

Service Details:

  • Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): Training girls, boys, teachers, and caregivers on menstrual health, combating taboos, and providing access to reusable sanitary pads and disposal facilities.
  • Handwashing Campaigns: Community and school-led campaigns promoting regular handwashing with soap at key times (before eating, after toilet use, after handling waste).
  • Oral Health Education: Dental hygiene sessions in schools, distribution of toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste, and partnerships with dental professionals for periodic check-ups.
  • Behavior Change Communication (BCC): Use of drama, songs, peer-led demonstrations, and local media to make hygiene messages memorable and culturally relevant.

Expected Impact:

  • Improved personal hygiene practices, reducing preventable diseases.
  • Greater dignity and confidence for girls during menstruation, contributing to improved school participation.
  • Early adoption of oral health habits, preventing cavities and gum disease.
3

Hygiene Kits & Caregiver Behavior Change Education

We combine tangible resources with the skills and knowledge to use them effectively.

Service Details:

  • Hygiene Kit Distribution: Provision of kits containing soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, water treatment tablets, and buckets with lids. Kits are tailored for schoolchildren, adolescent girls, and vulnerable households.
  • Caregiver Education: Household-level coaching sessions on water treatment, safe storage, toilet maintenance, and promoting hygiene habits in children.
  • Follow-Up Visits: Ongoing support to reinforce behavior change, troubleshoot challenges, and track improvements.

Expected Impact:

  • Increased household adoption of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
  • Sustained reduction in WASH-related illnesses.
  • Improved overall wellbeing and reduced healthcare costs for families.

Cross-Cutting Approaches

Integration with Health & Nutrition Programs

WASH interventions are embedded in our child health and nutrition initiatives to amplify impact.

Child-Led WASH Clubs

Empowering students to lead hygiene campaigns in schools and communities.

Climate-Resilient WASH Solutions

Designing water systems and sanitation facilities that withstand droughts, floods, and other climate shocks.

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