Water for Education

Background

The ‘21 de Septiembre A’ primary school in Quillacollo is attended by over 600 children every day. The school’s water supply relies on a well system that is more than 20 years old; whilst it theoretically provides water, it guarantees neither reliable filtration and disinfection nor a consistently stable supply. Contaminated water, dilapidated pipes, leaks and recurring failures are a regular feature of everyday school life. At the same time, many children lack basic knowledge of hygiene measures, such as regular handwashing, which further increases the risk of waterborne diseases.
A particular problem is that several shortcomings reinforce one another here: even where water is in principle available, a safe supply cannot be guaranteed without a functioning treatment system.
Furthermore, the outdated infrastructure makes use of the water even more difficult and perpetuates hygiene risks in everyday school life. For the children, this means that a fundamental element of a safe learning environment – namely, reliable access to clean water – is lacking. Particularly in an area with precarious income levels and limited public infrastructure, such as Distrito 5 in Quillacollo, these shortcomings carry a particularly heavy burden, as health risks can hardly be mitigated in any other way.
This combination of poor water quality, unstable infrastructure and a lack of hygiene education places a considerable burden on pupils’ health. Recurring water-borne illnesses lead to absenteeism, concentration problems and reduced active participation in lessons. If such impairments are not addressed at an early stage, the children’s educational opportunities will deteriorate in the long term, which can permanently limit their future development and prospects.
This is precisely why the project is so important: it not only improves the school’s technical water supply but also creates a key prerequisite for children to learn in good health, attend lessons regularly and better realise their potential.

Project location

The project is based at the ‘21 de Septiembre A’ primary school in District 5 of the Municipality of Quillacollo, Department of Cochabamba, Bolivia. The school is situated in a densely populated area with limited public infrastructure, where many families face precarious income circumstances.

Project beneficiaries

The direct beneficiaries are 615 pupils, as well as the teaching and administrative staff at the ‘21 de Septiembre A’ primary school – a total of around 635 people. In reality, however, the number is much higher, as the water supply will benefit many further generations of pupils. The children’s families and their social environment also benefit indirectly, as improved water and hygiene conditions have an impact beyond the school.

Project objective

The aim of the project is to secure a sustainable drinking water supply for the “21 de Septiembre A” primary school, thereby reducing water-related illnesses, improving everyday school life and enhancing the children’s educational opportunities.
Project activities
To achieve the project objective, the following activities are planned:
· Installation of a reliable and efficient water treatment and
distribution system within 6 months
· Ensuring drinking water quality in accordance with national standards and reducing water-related diseases
· Rehabilitation and stabilisation of the existing water infrastructure to prevent breakdowns and water losses
· Training of school staff in the operation, maintenance and monitoring of the system
· Delivery of WASH training tailored to the target group for pupils, focusing on hand hygiene, disease prevention and the responsible use of water
· Promotion of sustainable behavioural change through playful and practical learning formats
· Strengthening the role of pupils as advocates who promote health-enhancing practices within their families and social circles

Local partner organisation

Aguatuya is a Cochabamba-based NGO specialising in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) that has been working with schools and local communities in Bolivia for many years. It brings in-depth technical expertise in the planning, implementation and maintenance of decentralised water supply systems and has tried-and-tested educational approaches for children and teachers. Through its close links with communities and authorities, and its in-depth knowledge of local conditions, Aguatuya ensures that the project is planned to meet local needs, implemented efficiently and operated sustainably in the long term.