Clean Water and Safe Sanitation for Education: Transforming 131 Schools in Tanzania

This winter, Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE) and the Tanzanian organisation Mavuno Project are intensifying efforts to ensure access to clean water and safe sanitation for primary schools in Karagwe and Kyerwa districts, Tanzania. Our collaboration, spanning over a decade, aims to create long-term solutions to water and sanitation challenges faced by schools, ultimately improving the educational experience for around 80,000 children.

Access to water and hygienic facilities is critical for learning. Yet, many schools in the region lack basic infrastructure, forcing students to study in challenging conditions. The absence of clean water means limited drinking water, difficulties in preparing meals, and unhygienic toilets. For girls, the lack of adequate sanitation during menstruation leads to a 25% absence rate, jeopardising their education. Our initiative focuses on breaking this cycle by constructing rainwater harvesting tanks and EcoSan toilets.

What We’re Achieving Together

  • Rainwater Harvesting: Since 2019, we’ve implemented water tanks in 21 schools, providing clean water for over 20,000 children. With your support, we aim to complete this phase by constructing tanks in nine more schools.

  • EcoSan Toilets: These environmentally friendly facilities not only provide hygienic and safe sanitation but also recycle waste into agricultural compost, promoting sustainability. Menstruation rooms are also being integrated to ensure privacy and dignity for girls.

  • Collaborative Design and Implementation: Through close collaboration with Mavuno, local authorities, and community members, we ensure that every solution aligns with local needs and resources. From water quality assessments to sanitation designs, EWB-SWE provides expertise to support sustainable outcomes.

Why This Matters

For families in rural Tanzania, access to clean water at school can transform daily life. With better sanitation and water access, children stay healthier and are more likely to complete their education. Improved school environments also foster equality by enabling girls to attend school consistently.

Mavuno’s established trust and leadership in the community have been instrumental in identifying schools with the greatest need. Together, we are committed to reaching all 131 schools, benefiting not only the children but also their families and the wider community.

Your Support Counts

This Christmas, your contributions can help us bring clean water and sanitation to the most vulnerable children in Karagwe and Kyerwa. Every donation goes directly towards constructing rainwater tanks, implementing EcoSan solutions, and creating a brighter future for Tanzania’s students.

Join us in turning this vision into reality!