How Do Toilets Support Education?
The scarcity of running water in the rural communities of India’s Tansa valley poses a challenge to maintaining cleanliness. The lack of sanitation facilities is a significant problem facing local schoolchildren. In many government-aided schools, children are forced to relieve themselves in open outdoor spaces because the existing facilities are dilapidated or, in some cases, non-existent. With no handwashing stations, the children can’t wash their hands before eating food or after play, leading to poor hygiene and vulnerability to illness.
Open defecation is an issue that affects everyone, but women and girls are at higher risk. Schoolgirls reduce their liquid and food intake to avoid this situation, negatively affecting their health.
PRASAD is helping to solve this sanitation problem by building hygienic toilets in five local schools. So far, we have sponsored facilities at two schools.
Despite having a large student body, the primary school of Kelthan village had only one toilet. PRASAD arranged to construct separate toilet blocks for boys and girls and a shared handwashing station.
The school principal, Mrs. Vibha Patil, remarked, “Before, our five teachers and nearly two hundred children were using a single, dilapidated toilet. It was very awkward, especially for the girls. The children had to stand in long lines during recess to answer nature’s call. On behalf of the entire school, I offer a big thanks for the quality of the work.”
PRASAD is committed to building toilets in three more schools. At a cost of $10,000 per school, we need to raise $30,000. Won’t you help us make a life-changing difference for these students and their teachers?
Sincerely,
Dr. M. Cecilia Escarra
Executive Director
