Phaiyce has persevered to reach secondary school. At 14, she’s preparing to take exams this year.
Yet millions of students won’t reach this point in their education as they drop out due to poor school water, sanitation, and hygiene. "I will be sitting for the national examination. But I can assure you, learning without water, toilet doors, and changing rooms for us girls was not easy," says Phaiyce.
"I will be sitting for the national examination. But I can assure you, learning without water, toilet doors, and changing rooms for us girls was not easy,"
Phayice, student in Malawi
At her primary school, the toilets didn’t have doors, and there was no private space to manage their periods. These challenges caused many girls to miss class or leave school entirely. Water For People partnered with the school to build private, accessible toilets for girls, boys, and teachers, including a dedicated changing room for girls and stalls for students with disabilities. A solar-powered water system now brings piped water to the school and the surrounding community.
"I am so excited!" says Phaiyce. "We now have privacy since these new toilets have doors and a wall covering the front, and we have a room for changing sanitary pads. We also have a handwashing facility and piped water right at school." Phaiyce had to persevere, and now future students won’t have to overcome these obstacles.
Water For People ensures every school in a district has water access and bathrooms. But infrastructure alone isn’t enough – hygiene education is also key. We support schools in teaching health, handwashing, and how to maintain new water and sanitation facilities. Children then take these lessons home, spreading healthy habits in their families and communities.