Water supply and toilet rehabilitation projects were successfully completed and officially handed over at R/B/Hindu College and R/B/Thiruvalluvar Tamil Maha Vidyalayam in the Balangoda Educational Zone of Sabaragamuwa Province. Together, the two initiatives improved essential school facilities for approximately 850 students, with around 600 students attending R/B/Hindu College and 250 students attending R/B/Thiruvalluvar Tamil Maha Vidyalayam.
Creating Safer and More Hygienic Learning Environments
Creating Safer and More Hygienic Learning EnvironmentsAccess to clean and functional sanitation facilities plays an important role in creating a school environment where children can learn safely and with dignity. The rehabilitation works were undertaken to improve hygiene standards, reduce sanitation related health risks, and provide students with greater privacy, safety, and comfort throughout the school day.
The projects were particularly mindful of the importance of adequate sanitation facilities for girls, while supporting a more inclusive and child friendly environment for the entire student population.
The projects addressed important Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) needs by improving access to safe drinking water and rehabilitating sanitation facilities. Prior to the improvements, inadequate and poorly maintained toilet facilities presented challenges to proper hygiene and affected students’ comfort and wellbeing.
Creating Safer and More Hygienic Learning Environments
Creating Safer and More Hygienic Learning EnvironmentsAccess to clean and functional sanitation facilities plays an important role in creating a school environment where children can learn safely and with dignity. The rehabilitation works were undertaken to improve hygiene standards, reduce sanitation related health risks, and provide students with greater privacy, safety, and comfort throughout the school day.
The projects were particularly mindful of the importance of adequate sanitation facilities for girls, while supporting a more inclusive and child friendly environment for the entire student population.
Improving Facilities Across Two School Communities
Improving Facilities Across Two School CommunitiesAt R/B/Hindu College, the project supported a school community of approximately 600 students, while the improvements at R/B/Thiruvalluvar Tamil Maha Vidyalayam supported approximately 250 students. Both schools are located within the Balangoda Division of Ratnapura District in Sabaragamuwa Province.
The rehabilitation work included improvements to existing toilet infrastructure using new and repaired doors, sanitation fixtures, taps, pipes, roofing and cladding materials, painting, and other necessary repairs. These improvements transformed facilities that had previously been inadequate into safer and more functional spaces for students
Supporting Student Health, Attendance and Learning
Supporting Student Health, Attendance and LearningImproved WASH facilities extend beyond physical infrastructure. By creating cleaner and healthier school environments, the projects were designed to reduce sanitation related illnesses, encourage good hygiene practices, and improve students’ overall wellbeing.
Better facilities were also expected to positively contribute to school attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes, allowing students to participate in their education within an environment that better supports their health and dignity.
Ensuring a Lasting Impact for Future Students
Ensuring a Lasting Impact for Future StudentsLong term sustainability formed an important part of both projects. School management, teachers, students, parents, and School Development Committees were encouraged to contribute to the responsible use and ongoing maintenance of the improved facilities. Regular cleaning, minor repairs, and continued hygiene education will help ensure the facilities remain functional for future generations of students.
The successful completion of these projects was made possible with the support of The Calais Foundation. Through this investment in essential water and sanitation infrastructure, approximately 850 students now have access to improved facilities that support health, hygiene, dignity, and a safer learning environment.
