WASH

The rehabilitation of sanitary blocks in schools

In Kessra, Tunisia, 11-year-old Yahya Zgaia recalls the challenges of the old school sanitary block, where he had to flush toilets with buckets and feared falling ill. But with the renovation, he now feels comfortable and can focus on his studies. School director Fayza Gayed praises UNICEF's success in upgrading the facilities and providing hygiene training. Similarly, in Zouaouine, student Ali Lawafi appreciates the new block's amenities, including hand disinfectant gel and secure doors.

UNICEF's initiative, supported by Italy, aims to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in schools across Tunisia, benefitting over 12,500 children. Access to clean facilities not only enhances hygiene but also encourages regular attendance, especially for girls. As Andrea Senatori from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation emphasizes, proper WASH facilities are essential for children's well-being and academic success, contributing to a conducive learning environment.

Kesra and Bizerte, Tunisia. 2023.

Done for UNICEF Tunisia.

Up in the mountains, there is a town called Kesra that is visited in the winter by many Tunisians who want to experience the snow. On the main road winding up through the village, the open gates of Kesra’s primary school. - Paula González Gavilanes
Up in the mountains, there is a town called Kesra that is visited in the winter by many Tunisians who want to experience the snow. On the main road winding up through the village, the open gates of Kesra’s primary school.
UNICEF and partners rebuilt the sanitary blocks in this school. Yahya Zgaia (left, in yellow hoodie) remembers how it was before: “In the old sanitary block there was a lot of mold. We had to flush the toilets with buckets. In the morning, I used to think twice about eating anything because I was afraid I might have to use the toilet.” - Paula González Gavilanes
UNICEF and partners rebuilt the sanitary blocks in this school. Yahya Zgaia (left, in yellow hoodie) remembers how it was before: “In the old sanitary block there was a lot of mold. We had to flush the toilets with buckets. In the morning, I used to think twice about eating anything because I was afraid I might have to use the toilet.”
The renovated sanitary block was tailor-made for children. The water faucets are at different heights so that children of different ages can comfortably reach them, and they turn off automatically, the walls are colorful, the toilets are attached to the wall but not to the floor so they can be easily cleaned, and plenty of light goes in, but the space remains private. - Paula González Gavilanes
The renovated sanitary block was tailor-made for children. The water faucets are at different heights so that children of different ages can comfortably reach them, and they turn off automatically, the walls are colorful, the toilets are attached to the wall but not to the floor so they can be easily cleaned, and plenty of light goes in, but the space remains private.
7% of public schools in Tunisia, over 400 schools, are not connected to a water source. As part of UNICEF’s initiative, a total of 34 schools across Tunisia were supported with improved WASH infrastructure and hygiene trainings. A total of over 8,500 children (including 5,525 girls). WASH infrastructure in schools is essential for children’s education. - Paula González Gavilanes
7% of public schools in Tunisia, over 400 schools, are not connected to a water source. As part of UNICEF’s initiative, a total of 34 schools across Tunisia were supported with improved WASH infrastructure and hygiene trainings. A total of over 8,500 children (including 5,525 girls). WASH infrastructure in schools is essential for children’s education.
Students run towards the sanitary block on a rainy day in Zouaouine. To the left are the boys’ facilities, on the right the girls’ facilities, and in the middle is the block designated for disabled students. All are perfectly equipped. - Paula González Gavilanes
Students run towards the sanitary block on a rainy day in Zouaouine. To the left are the boys’ facilities, on the right the girls’ facilities, and in the middle is the block designated for disabled students. All are perfectly equipped.
To open the tap, children push a button and water starts running for a few seconds so they can wash their hands. This mechanism prevents water from being wasted. The toilets are all private. For young girls, access to good sanitary infrastructure can be a big deciding factor for whether they remain at school. - Paula González Gavilanes
To open the tap, children push a button and water starts running for a few seconds so they can wash their hands. This mechanism prevents water from being wasted. The toilets are all private. For young girls, access to good sanitary infrastructure can be a big deciding factor for whether they remain at school.
In rural areas of Tunisia, access to water is not always guaranteed. Children having access to sanitary facilities of the highest quality in their schools makes a tremendously positive difference in their education. - Paula González Gavilanes
In rural areas of Tunisia, access to water is not always guaranteed. Children having access to sanitary facilities of the highest quality in their schools makes a tremendously positive difference in their education.
Up in the mountains, there is a town called Kesra that is visited in the winter by many Tunisians who want to experience the snow. On the main road winding up through the village, the open gates of Kesra’s primary school. - Paula González Gavilanes
UNICEF and partners rebuilt the sanitary blocks in this school. Yahya Zgaia (left, in yellow hoodie) remembers how it was before: “In the old sanitary block there was a lot of mold. We had to flush the toilets with buckets. In the morning, I used to think twice about eating anything because I was afraid I might have to use the toilet.” - Paula González Gavilanes
The renovated sanitary block was tailor-made for children. The water faucets are at different heights so that children of different ages can comfortably reach them, and they turn off automatically, the walls are colorful, the toilets are attached to the wall but not to the floor so they can be easily cleaned, and plenty of light goes in, but the space remains private. - Paula González Gavilanes
7% of public schools in Tunisia, over 400 schools, are not connected to a water source. As part of UNICEF’s initiative, a total of 34 schools across Tunisia were supported with improved WASH infrastructure and hygiene trainings. A total of over 8,500 children (including 5,525 girls). WASH infrastructure in schools is essential for children’s education. - Paula González Gavilanes
Students run towards the sanitary block on a rainy day in Zouaouine. To the left are the boys’ facilities, on the right the girls’ facilities, and in the middle is the block designated for disabled students. All are perfectly equipped. - Paula González Gavilanes
To open the tap, children push a button and water starts running for a few seconds so they can wash their hands. This mechanism prevents water from being wasted. The toilets are all private. For young girls, access to good sanitary infrastructure can be a big deciding factor for whether they remain at school. - Paula González Gavilanes
In rural areas of Tunisia, access to water is not always guaranteed. Children having access to sanitary facilities of the highest quality in their schools makes a tremendously positive difference in their education. - Paula González Gavilanes
To read the full story CLICK HERE - Paula González Gavilanes
To read the full story CLICK HERE

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