It’s been just over a year since the construction of the new toilet block was completed, and it’s been fantastic to see the impact our Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) has had on the 700 students who attend Dornorgbor School.
In this blog, we want to share with you the impact the new toilet block has had on the students and the continued work that is happening to help every girl feel confident in managing their menstruation so that they don’t miss out on vital education.
Improving hygiene standards
In April 2024, a new toilet block was completed, which comprises 11 gendered and lockable latrines (five cubicles for boys and six for girls). In addition, four handwashing stations with clean, piped water were installed.
One of the aims of the WASH Programmes is to reduce school absences by promoting good hygiene practices among students with better facilities. It is now reported that 100% of girls wash their hands more than when they were using the old facilities.
“I am so proud to be part of the Foundation’s work, especially our hygiene and WASH projects across our partner schools. Something as simple as a toilet makes a huge difference to reducing infections and spread of diseases. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who support African Adventures Foundation charity, as without you we cannot support our schools which really need it” Siva Vordzorgbe, Country Director.
Improving menstrual health management
Before the WASH Programme was rolled out only:
- 2% of girls felt confident managing menstruation
- 2% of girls felt comfortable attending school during menstruation
- 80% girls said they stayed at home because of the problems with the toilets
- 0% of girls felt comfortable asking for help and advice about menstruation from their teachers
- 100% of girls had no access to pads
As part of The Good Period Programme, 243 girls at Dornorgbor now receive a monthly supply of sanitary pads, allowing them to manage their periods with confidence while attending school.
A menstrual health room was also built as part of the new toilet block, providing the girls with a hygienic space to manage their menstruation.
Our Foundation Co-ordinator visited Dornorgbor School and asked the girls to retake the questionnaire since the WASH Programme has been rolled out and now:
- 90% of girls said the new facilities have made it easier to stay clean and healthy at school
- 80% of girls said they missed fewer school days because of the new WASH facilities
- 85% of girls found the new toilets better for managing their period
What’s next
We will continue to monitor and evaluate the progress being made at Dornorgbor School, ensuring girls feel confident in managing their menstruation and younger students receive the same support when needed.
The WASH Programme will continue to be rolled out across our partner schools in Ghana, with plans underway for Little Roses.
The WASH Programme provides equal opportunity for girls and boys to reach their full potential at school by building better sanitation facilities and providing access to clean water, creating a more conducive environment for learning. To donate to the programme, please click here and choose Ghana WASH.
