How the power of community transformed a school
For years, students at Fenta School, Abeshege District, Ethiopia, struggled with poor sanitation.
The latrine had collapsed, and the menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) centre was dark and inadequate for use. But through the determination of students, teachers, and the community, things are starting to change. This is the story of how Fenta School became a model for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) in the region.
The old latrines were built in soft soil conditions where livestock wandered in causing them to collapse. With nowhere else to go, students were forced to relieve themselves in open areas, leading to hygiene and safety concerns. The MHH centre, meant to support girls, was dark, not regularly cleaned, and lacked basic supplies.
With support from the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) and Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Development Commission (EKHCDC), the school’s WASH and MHH clubs have taken action to improve their school.
The commitment of the students, teachers, and local community has turned Fenta into a model school for sanitation and hygiene.
EKHCDC provided training on proper sanitation to school training boards, the school WASH teams and other key stakeholders to learn how to create sustainable, hygienic solutions, using educational materials and training support from CAWST.
The school grows vegetables and sells them in the community, using the income to fund further WASH improvements. The students and staff developed an action plan, and with the help of local artisans, built two new gender segregated latrines and another for teachers. This time, the latrines were built using reinforced concrete to withstand the soft soil, and a fence was put up to keep livestock out.
Left: Site of collapsed latrine at Fenta School. Right: Newly constructed latrine
The MHH centre also got a major upgrade. With support from the school principal, WASH and MHH club members, the space was cleaned, stocked, and redesigned to provide privacy and dignity for girls. Now, it’s a safe and welcoming space where students can manage their menstrual hygiene without fear or embarrassment.
The commitment of the students, teachers, and local community has turned Fenta into a model school for sanitation and hygiene. Their work doesn’t stop at Fenta, these students and teachers are sharing what they’ve learned with other schools, expanding the impact beyond their own community. Fenta School has become a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together to create change. With ongoing support, their work will continue, reaching more schools and more students, ensuring that safe sanitation and hygiene are a reality for all.
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