Event Description
Children deserve a safe school environment where they can learn and grow and WASH in Schools greatly contributes to this. However over 50% of schools throughout the globe still lack water and sanitation facilities and hygiene education is often non-existent. Many schools have been implementing WASH programmes with support from Governments and other organisations and there is considerable evidence and knowledge on what has worked and the impact it has had on the lives of children.
 
Building on these achievements and experiences, this seminar will facilitate the presentation of some concrete examples, case studies and experiences of successful WASH in schools programmes including Global Handwashing Day (GHD) and discuss how we can strengthen these initiatives and build on the lessons we have learned.

Despite the promising potential of WASH in Schools, the sub-sector has stagnated and there is now an urgent need to secure commitments to it. A key objective of this session will be to discuss what advocacy efforts are needed at all levels to encourage greater interest and support to the sector and to achieve concensus on a proposed “call for action” and strategy to generate greater commitments for WASH in Schools at all levels.

Programme

Chair: Dr. Marielle Snel, IRC, the Netherlands