Aromo Sub-County Water and Sanitation Project

Results achieved as of the end of the project (July 2013) included: 28 new water points constructed providing safe water to an estimated population of 23 500 people in Aromo Sub-County Lira District of northern Uganda; 28 Water Source and Sanitation Users Committees (WSSC) trained; 30 Community Health trainers trained on health and hygiene; 30 latrine stances in blocks of 5 latrines per school constructed in six neediest Schools; Many of these schools have started health clubs that clean and monitor latrine usage and maintenance. They also encourage students to practice better hygiene. Girls and handicapped students needs are appropriately addressed in latrine design. Inclusion of a bathing facility and the production of sanitary pads have highly increase girls attendance to school. Thanks to a School Mentoring program the girls in the beneficiary-schools enhanced their education performance and life skills. These girls now teach their mothers how to make pads and get involved in revenue generation activities. In addition 6 rainwater collection jars with 2 500 litre capacity utilizing the roofs of school latrines as a catchment area for rainwater were constructed. The rainwater harvesting systems serve as a hand washing station and provide washing water for the girls washing rooms which encourage improved hygiene practices. At Akore Primary School at least 300 girls bath every day which shows an increased awareness of the importance of proper hygiene and appreciation of the facilities made available. Unplanned activities have also contributed to the success of the project. For example the project introduced Reusable Menstrual pads in three schools of Aromo in Otara Akore and Apua schools. As a result the female students are learning effective ways to manage menstrual hygiene and feel confident about attending school throughout their menstrual cycle when they previously would have stayed at home. Another unanticipated outcome of this program has been the pi