The government of Uganda adopted Free Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1996. This saw an increase in the number of pupils/children attending school. This has a positive link in supporting local poverty reduction efforts. However, not enough consideration has been paid to Water and Sanitation services for a health and child friendly learning environment.
Water and sanitation in schools are not only poor but also inadequacy. The inadequacy and poor water and sanitation facilities in schools are associated with a number of problems that have effects towards internal goal of better education achievements.
Sanitation
The government recommends a ratio of 40:1 pupils (boys) and 60:1 (girls) per stance and the preferred type of toilet is water borne toilets. Survey results conducted in 12 schools (7) government funded and 5 private schools in Kampala indicates a ratio of 102:1+ across all school. This more than doubles the recommended 40:1 and as a result, there is always long ques, time wastage and limited access to sanitation facilities for small boys and girls as well as lack of privacy for girls especially in adolescent stage.
Unfriendly school environment also plays a big role in discouraging girls from pursuing their education. Many girls drop out due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities to cater for their needs especially during menstruation and sexual harassment by teachers or boys.
“I was forced to drop out of school due to the poor 3 stance toilet facility that we used to share among boys, girls and teachers. On a fateful day, a boy got me changing a sanitary pad (made from cloth). I felt very ashamed and became the laughing matter at school. I dropped out of school”. A 17 year old and mother to two narrated.
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