Page 71 - Shelter - April 2025

CASE STUDY

Figure 8: GGMPS Kanhai updates on attendance data

6. Discussion school premises by planting The construction of functional
150 saplings, reducing dark child-friendly and staff toilets
The project has significantly spaces through improved resulted in a measurable
enhanced the environmental lighting, and engaging reduction in open defecation
sustainability and hygiene students in wall-art and within school premises,
conditions of both schools, painting activities. These ensuring better sanitation
aligning with five key efforts not only enhanced the and dignity for students
Sustainable Development aesthetics but also fostered a and staff. Additionally,
Goals. One of the most sense of ownership and pride handwashing stations
notable outcomes was a 6% among students, contributing coupled with behavioural
reduction in staff sick leave, to their overall mental well- training contributed to
as recorded in attendance being and engagement in reduced drinking water
registers over the past five school activities. wastage and the adoption
months. This improvement of healthier hygiene habits.
is attributed to the cleaner, A significant achievement was Students have now started
more hygienic environment the development of WASH bringing soap, handwash,
established through targeted infrastructure, including and napkins as part of their
child-friendly
toilets,
interventions, reducing health handwashing platforms, daily routines, indicating a
risks and promoting overall drinking water stations, sustained behaviour change.
well-being. DEWATS (Decentralized The installation of a
Creating a harmonious and Wastewater Treatment drinking water platform has
student-friendly school Systems), an 8,000 litre significantly improved water
environment was a key focus Rainwater Harvesting Unit, management by ensuring
of the project. The initiative and a 10,000 - 12,000-litre efficient access to drinking
increased green cover within Groundwater Recharge Unit. water while preventing

April, 2025, Volume 26. No.1 - SHELTER 69