The WASH Foundation, an evolution of Clean the World Foundation has been dedicated to providing access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for communities worldwide since 2015. We are thrilled to share the exciting progress we have achieved in partnership with communities in the Dominican Republic and Uganda. Here is a program update for each location:
Empowering Education through the Global Wash-In-Schools Program in the Dominican Republic
After a successful and rewarding two-day WASH-in-Schools Teacher Training last August in Punta Cana, 30 teachers are now certified and equipped with the training, curriculum, and learning materials needed to implement WASH education into their annual school curriculum. Now, 30 teachers from eight primary schools and two high schools will be able to improve the hygiene and sanitation habits of over 5,000 students.
During this impactful training event, we hosted three doctors affiliated with the Ministry of Health. Their presence signals a promising collaboration as we aim to replicate our program across the province of Altagracia. This expansion will bring improved WASH habits and better health to more schools and communities in the Dominican Republic.
In addition to WASH education, the 10 participating schools received improved handwashing stations and toilets. These essential infrastructure upgrades ensure that WASH practices will prosper in this community for generations to come. To provide ongoing support, The WASH Foundation will work closely with these dedicated teachers, offering guidance and monitoring the program’s effectiveness throughout the upcoming 23-24 school year.
It is important to emphasize that when we enhance hygiene and sanitation education within schools, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom. A ripple effect of positive change sweeps through the entire community, ultimately strengthening its members’ overall health and well-being.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the latest developments in Uganda.
Expanding Our Reach in Uganda
While the process of registering The WASH Foundation-Uganda as an international nonprofit continues, we are actively preparing proposals to provide access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene to six primary schools and a healthcare center within five Tororo parishes in Eastern Uganda.
Additionally, The WASH Foundation is working to foster WASH-friendly healthcare centers in Uganda by updating the WASH-in-HCF (healthcare facilities) training program. This program will be implemented alongside the WASH-in-Schools initiative, with our sights set on the first quarter of 2024.
While we’re in the fundraising phase for this ambitious 3 to 5-year project, we are actively collaborating with our trusted water access partner, the Ugandan Water Project. Together, we are conducting hydrological surveys in preparation for the first series of well-drilling activities at the healthcare center and two of the primary schools.
Through our invaluable partnership with the Bukedi Diocese Church of Uganda and the Ugandan Water Project, our goal remains clear: to replicate the success of our comprehensive 2019 WASH program in the Tororo community of Merikit, helping a catchment area of 20,000 people. With this planned comprehensive WASH project in Tororo, we will expand our reach by bringing improved water access, enhanced sanitation facilities, WASH education in schools and healthcare centers, and a microenterprise program focused on managing menstrual hygiene to five communities in Tororo. This extension will encompass a total catchment area of 21,600, bringing the total number of our beneficiaries in Eastern Uganda to approximately 42,000 people.
Help Us Provide Access to WASH to Communities Globally
Our commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable future continues to drive us forward in the Dominican Republic and Uganda. Together, we are making a positive impact on communities around the world.
If you would like to support The WASH Foundation in our efforts to provide access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene to communities globally and empower healthy, WASH habits, please donate to our WASH-in-Schools program today. Your support makes these accomplishments possible, and together, we are building a brighter, healthier future for all.
