World Vision Zambia, Education Above All and FAWEZA handover two ablution blocks to the Zambian Government

World Vision Zambia, in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation’s Educate A Child Programme and the Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA), handed over two Ablution blocks to the Zambian Government through the Ministry of Education to improve the hygiene and sanitation standards for pupils, especially girls who miss classes during menses.

Speaking during the ceremony, held at Tampwe Primary and Nachumba Primary Schools, World Vision Zambia representative,  Mr Michael Chiyombwe said through the Empowering Vulnerable Children with Education (EVE) Project, the partners are committed to ensuring that children attain quality education.

"The ablution blocks will enable pupils to learn in a clean environment with proper hygiene, which will improve school attendance rates, reduce waterborne diseases, and improving girls' menstrual hygiene management," said Mr. Chiyombwe.

He further said lack of access to education for many children only continues the cycle of poverty and illiteracy.

"Without proper sanitation, children, their families, and communities are trapped in a cycle of diseases and poverty. Poor sanitation puts children at risk of diarrheal diseases, which inhibits the chance of getting educated," he said.

The World Vision Zambia Representative said clean water, Sanitation and hygiene are critical to one's enjoyed stay in school.

"These ablution blocks will result in over 1,300 children spending more time in class, which will improve their academic performance and that of the schools," he said.

Mr. Chiyombwe said the organization gives special attention to ensuring Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities are friendly to girls and women’s needs and accessible to people with disabilities.

Meanwhile, the Guest of honour, District Commissioner for Namwala District, Mr. Ephraim Shandavu, expressed his gratitude and happiness with World Vision Zambia and its partners' commitment to ensuring that children attain quality education.

"World Vision Zambia is an all weather partner for the Zambian government. The organisation has worked on various developmental projects in Namwala that have improved the livelihood and well-being of children and our communities. The construction of the two ablution blocks is a huge milestone for us, especially for our children, who will now spend more time in class," said Mr. Shandavu.

The Guest of Honor emphasized that through the infrastructure Tampwe and Nachumba Primary Schools would see improved attendance rates, academic performance, and overall well-being.

16-year-old Lilian, a grade nine pupil at Tampwe Primary School, said she would no longer miss class due to menses.

"These modern toilets are a lifeline for us as we pursue our dreams; they are an enabler for us to stay in school. This WASH facility will help in promoting hygiene standards in school because we will be able to bath during our messes, something made us miss class for a week in a month."

Through the EVE project, World Vision Zambia with its partners aim is to increase retention, access, and learning of 7,000 at-risk children in quality primary education in Zambia.