Impact assessment in schools: impact of WASH provision in teaching-learning process, Benishangul Gumuz, Assosa Zone, Menge Woreda

Most of schools in Menge woreda had no safe water supply for the school community. To address this problem, WaterAid Ethiopia constructed water supply schemes and sanitation facilities in the schools’ vicinity. To assess the impact of facilities on the teachinglearning process, data was collected for five months that is the study period (from 01 Nov. 07 to 31 March 08) using questionnaires. The study found that the major reason for absence or tardiness is the sum result of household workloads, such as fetching water; followed by lack of hygiene awareness and resulting health problems. Majority of health problems are due to WASHrelated diseases. Yet, the students’ reasons for poor hygiene are not related to a lack of awareness. Recommendations are provided for action. These include establishing effective school sanitation clubs, raising parent awareness through education, strengthening sector collaboration and advocacy on relationship between education and WASH.