From Dropouts to Dreamers: How Sanitation Keeps Kids in School

Sanitation is a silent factor in education. For many schools in Africa, poor sanitation creates a cycle of absenteeism, disease, and dropouts. At Jehovah Jireh African Primary School, the impact was stark.

 The Reality Before

Before our intervention, Jehovah Jireh faced unimaginable conditions:

•         No toilets or water supply.

•         Overgrown bushes, leaking roofs, and dusty classrooms.

•         No waste disposal systems or hygiene education.

These conditions forced students to defecate in nearby bushes, endangering their safety and health. On October 21, 2023, we witnessed two young girls heading into the bushes, one holding paper. The older girl laid the paper down for the younger to defecate. This heartbreaking reality was part of daily life, exposing children to infections and dangerous encounters with animals or insects.

 The lack of sanitation led to high dropout rates and constant health risks, making education inaccessible for many.

What Changed

Through our intervention, the school now has:

•         A clean water source: Used for drinking, cleaning, and handwashing.

•         Hygiene education: Teaching students the importance of cleanliness.

•         Regular maintenance: Monthly clearing of bushes for a safer compound.

•         Basic gifts for encouragement: Books and pens for students.

These simple but transformative changes have impacted the school in tangible ways:

•         Cleaner classrooms and improved hygiene.

•         Fewer waterborne diseases among students.

•         Reduced absenteeism as kids no longer leave school to fetch or buy water.

 The Impact

These changes didn’t just help the school; the impact extended to the community. Local families now rely on the water source for cooking, drinking, and washing. However, this reliance caused wear and tear on the water pump within ten months. We repaired it, and it continues serving the school and the surrounding area.

While we don’t have exact attendance data, teachers and students have expressed gratitude for the improvements. More kids stay in school throughout the day, making the overall atmosphere safer and healthier.

 Looking Ahead

This project is part of the Digging Well Foundation’s broader mission to improve access to clean water and sanitation in underserved schools. Next, we plan to extend similar efforts to CAC Primary School, which faces the same challenges Jehovah Jireh once did.

 Final Thoughts

The story of Jehovah Jireh shows how small changes in sanitation can spark hope and keep children in school. Every drop of clean water makes a difference, not just in classrooms but in communities.

Your support helps us create environments where kids can dream without worrying about basic needs. Together, we’re making education accessible to one school at a time.