Access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation is a fundamental human necessity. Poor sanitation and inadequate drinking water facilities have been proven to significantly impact human health. Children, especially those between the ages of 1 to 14, are highly vulnerable to five out of the ten deadliest diseases caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and lack of personal hygiene. Given that children spend a significant portion of their time in school, ensuring that these institutions have hygienic drinking water and sanitation facilities is essential to safeguarding their health.
Project Inception and Rationale:
Recognizing the critical need for improved sanitation in schools, P.M. Shah Foundation launched the School Sanitation & Safe Drinking Water Project in 2010 to spread awareness about the importance of hygiene and sanitation among school children. The initiative began with a comprehensive survey of 50 schools in Pune district to assess the status of their drinking water and sanitation facilities.
The results of the survey were alarming—most schools had substandard and unacceptable conditions. Consequently, the foundation decided to intervene by working closely with these schools to instill behavioral changes among students and shift the schools’ approach towards maintaining proper sanitation facilities.
Project Implementation:
Over the past 15 years, the P.M. Shah Foundation has successfully implemented this project, leading to significant improvements in school sanitation. The key milestones and impact of this initiative include:
- Schools Surveyed: 50 schools across Pune district.
- Primary Objective: Assess and improve drinking water and sanitation conditions in schools.
Implementation Strategies:
- Interactive Learning – Using storytelling, audiovisuals, and educational films like BASIC to make learning engaging.
- Practical Demonstrations – Organizing handwashing drives, menstrual hygiene workshops, and clean-up activities.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Encouraging parents and local authorities to take an active role in maintaining school hygiene.
- Monitoring & Evaluation – Conducting periodic hygiene audits to assess and improve sanitation facilities.
Through this initiative, the P.M. Shah Foundation is shaping a healthier future for children by integrating good hygiene habits into their daily lives.
Conclusion:
The School Sanitation & Safe Drinking Water Project by P.M. Shah Foundation has not only improved the hygiene conditions in schools but has also fostered a culture of awareness and responsibility among students, teachers, and their families. The project’s long-term success demonstrates the power of community-driven efforts in addressing public health challenges. Moving forward, the foundation remains committed to expanding its reach and continuing its mission of providing every child with access to clean drinking water and hygienic sanitation facilities.
