UNICEF – Development of WASH facilities and services in childfriendly schools in Abkhazia, Georgia

1. Local contractors apply WASH standards when constructing and rehabilitating schools
2. Sustainable management of WASH facilities in schools is strengthened
3. Schoolchildren, school management and teachers understand the importance of rational use of water, of hygiene and sanitation and apply relevant daily good practices
4. Child-friendly school environment is enhanced by improving capacities of teachers and improving safety and protective environment of schools

Expected results:  

60 schools are equipped with accessible and female-friendly bathrooms, 50 school water connections are recommissioned and upgraded and 10 local contractors are certified according to WASH international standards.

WASH platforms are established and functional and WASH labels are adopted and functional.

Personal hygiene, healthy lifestyle key components and responsible use of WASH facilities is established among school management, teachers and schoolchildren in a context of COVID-19 pandemic and school management, teachers and children trained on rational use of water in context of climate change.

Teachers and school management are trained in student-centred instruction methodologies and content and language integrated learning and teachers, school management, parents and community members are trained and/or reached with key messages on safety and creating protective environments at school.

Results from previous phases:  

WASH facilities were improved in 24 schools in Abkhazia through a previous partnership between SDC, UNICEF and UNHCR in 2021.

Lessons learned from this project included the continued need for external technical support, the importance of bringing together all involved stakeholders to prioritize budget allocation for WASH in schools and the necessity to continue operation and maintenance works to ensure sustainable results.