Clean water and proper sanitation are fundamental to a safe learning environment, and we are proud to announce the successful construction and opening of a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facility at Little Roses in Ghana.
Little Roses has hosted Embley School twice to volunteer, which has helped improve their school facilities by supporting the construction of a classroom and providing teaching support. Embley saw the challenges Little Roses faced in 2024 by only having two working toilets for 347 students between the ages of 3 -15, and wanted to raise money for a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facility to be built at the school.
The challenges
Little Roses had been facing serious sanitation challenges that were affecting the daily experience of their students. Access to proper toilet facilities was limited, and many students struggled to find safe and adequate places to use during the school day, especially for girls who were menstruating.
In some cases, pupils were forced to leave the school premises to access other facilities. This not only posed potential health and safety risks but also disrupted the learning environment. Time away from the classroom meant missed lessons, reduced concentration, and a negative impact on both teaching and learning.
On the left is the two-seater toilet block and on the left is the urinals block.
From constructing a new WASH facility, Little Roses wanted to:
- Provide a hygienic and safe environment for students
- Provide a changing room for girls during their menstrual period to promote girl-child education
- Promote proper hygiene and sanitation practices among pupils
- Reduce health risks associated with poor sanitation
- Create a clean, safe, and convenient facility for students and staff
Fundraising
As a school, Embley raised nearly £10,000, which was donated to African Adventures Foundation, along with generous donors contributing to fund the project.
Those donors include:
Allan & Nesta Ferguson Trust, Carmela & Ronnie Pignatelli Foundation, EA Foundation, The Brian Mercer Trust, Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation.
The Build
The new block comprises six gendered and lockable latrines (three cubicles for boys and three for girls). In addition, handwashing stations have been installed with a water storage tank and a pumping system to ensure constant water supply.
A changing room for girls was also constructed within the facility, which provides a private area for menstrual health management.
The Impact
The WASH Programme seeks to ensure equal opportunity for girls and boys to reach their full potential at school through the provision of better sanitation facilities and access to clean water, improving hygiene and students’ wellbeing.
Through the WASH Programme, we are supporting four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The newly completed WASH facility is already making a meaningful difference within the school community. With improved access to safe sanitation and hygiene services, the overall health and wellbeing of students and staff have noticeably improved.
The facility has created a cleaner and more hygienic school environment, helping to reduce health risks and promote better daily hygiene practices. Students now benefit from greater comfort and privacy, which has made the school day more positive and supportive for everyone.
The impact has also been felt in the overall atmosphere of the school. Both staff and students report higher morale, as the improved facilities contribute to a more dignified and welcoming learning environment. For girls in particular, the facility provides much-needed privacy and support during menstruation, helping them attend school with greater confidence and continuity.
Now fully operational, the WASH facility is accessible to both students and staff and is playing an important role in creating a healthier, more inclusive school environment.
“On behalf of everyone at Little Roses School, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to African Adventures Foundation, Embley School, and the generous donors who supported the construction of our new toilet facility. Previously, many people shared just two toilets, but this new six-seater facility has transformed our school environment. Your generosity and quick response to our needs have made a real difference to our community. Akpe Kaka (Thank you so much).” — Student, Little Roses.
“The construction of the new washroom (six seater toilet facility) has not only provided our students and staff with comfort but also significantly improved hygiene and well-being. Your generosity and dedication have made a tangible difference in our school community. We extend our heartfelt thanks for your invaluable support all these years and for helping us create a more nurturing and supportive learning environment.” Madam Anyana Gifty, School Teacher, Little Roses.
African Adventures Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to our donors for making this possible. This intervention stands as a strong example of meaningful partnership and sustainable community development.
