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More steps to improve SSHE outcomes

5. Share experiences and lessons with others.
Experiences that are gained should be shared with others. Only in this way can we build up a body of knowledge on effective SSHE. Some ways of doing this are: preparing reports on SSHE projects which can be distributed to others; writing an article on an SSHE project in one of the journals/newsletters focusing on this issue such as Notes and News; writing a more detailed paper for a scientific/academic journal; preparing a case study using written information, video or slides on the project that can be circulated widely and be used in training courses; inviting others to a workshop at the end of an activity where the results can be presented and the implications discussed; and finally, undertaking a presentation or description of your project at district, state or national level meeting.

6. Develop stronger links between school sanitation and hygiene education and development.
There are major links between school sanitation and hygiene education and development. If SSHE continued to improve, various health, social and economic benefits would also accrue. Besides the number of deaths which would be avoided, children would have the chance of a better education. Increasing the number and standard of school latrine facilities would decrease the dropout rates especially for adolescent girls. Together, these improvements would also result in increased personal dignity and a greater sense of national pride.

7. Undertake more research in both the hardware and software aspects, such as:

  • Hygiene promotion techniques with emphasis on the role of the child. Currently little research exists focusing on the types of technique which could be used to promote hygiene education specifically related to the school child. The linkages with outreach programmes as part of the life skills approach also require more research.
  • Technical designs for difficult water and sanitation conditions. Some schools require special attention due to high water table, hard-rock or other difficult topographical conditions. More focus should also be placed on recycling options for excreta, solid and liquid wastes.
  • National level work on legislation, policy and guidelines which should focus on increasing inter-sectoral collaboration between the various stakeholders in SSHE. This would include research and development in SSHE, technical designs and hygiene promotion techniques.

The following table indicates a number of 'do's' that can be undertaken at the micro-level, namely at the school level itself. Note that this table remains flexible as it continues to be developed.

Table 14: 'Do's' at the micro-level

School level:

  • ensure that there is soap available near toilets or otherwise ash to clean hands after using the latrine;
  • make sure that latrines are kept clean;
  • assist a monitoring team of students to check that latrines and washing facilities are kept clean.

Teachers and headmasters level:

  • ensure that teachers and principals are given annual training on SSHE;
  • motivate teachers and headmasters to support teaching and undertaking SSHE at their school.

Students and community level:

  • encourage students and community members to identify their own needs and design and search for their own potential solutions to problems regarding SSHE;
  • have students as ' motivators' who can bring messages back to the home. School health clubs, for example, or sanitation scouts can be useful for this.