*English project* on a *common school problem:* *Project Title* *The Impact of Poor Sanitation Facilities on Student Health and Learning at My School* --- *Project Description* Sanitation is a critical aspect of student health and learning, yet many schools struggle with inadequate toilet facilities, unclean surroundings, and a lack of proper hygiene education. At my school, students often complain about the condition of the bathrooms, leading to discomfort, frequent illnesses, and a decline in concentration during lessons. This study investigates how *poor sanitation facilities affect student well-being and academic performance*, aiming to propose *a practical, low-cost improvement strategy* to create a healthier learning environment. --- *Objectives* - To assess the current state of sanitation facilities at my school. - To analyze how poor sanitation affects *student health, hygiene habits, and attendance*. - To evaluate *the connection between school hygiene and academic performance*. - To propose *practical and affordable solutions* for improving sanitation in schools. --- *Stage 1: Identifying the Issue* *Problem Statement* At my school, many students *avoid using the toilets* due to poor hygiene, lack of privacy, and limited access to clean water. Some students *hold their bladder all day*, leading to health issues such as urinary infections and dehydration. Others develop *bad hygiene habits*, increasing the spread of illnesses. *Statement of Intent* This study aims to: - Examine the *condition of school toilets and hygiene facilities*. - Explore how *sanitation affects student health and learning*. - Recommend *a sustainable plan for improving cleanliness and access* to hygiene resources. *Design Specifications* The project must: - Use *student surveys* and interviews to gather data. - Analyze *bathroom usage patterns and student complaints*. - Examine *the connection between hygiene and school attendance*. - Suggest *low-cost, sustainable hygiene solutions* suitable for schools. --- *Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas* *Sanitation Challenge* *Effects on Students* *Examples from Other Schools* Lack of clean toiletsStudents avoid bathroom use, causing health risksUrban schools in Zimbabwe struggle with overcrowded restroomsPoor waste disposalLeads to bad odors, infections, and pollutionSome schools in Kenya introduced waste bins and stricter cleaning rulesLimited access to waterHard to wash hands, leading to spread of diseasesRural schools in India created handwashing stations near toilets--- *Stage 3: Generation of Ideas* - *Idea 1: Introducing a Student-Led Sanitation Committee* - ✅ _Pros:_ Students take ownership of hygiene improvement. - ❌ _Cons:_ Requires teacher supervision and monitoring. - *Idea 2: Installing Handwashing Stations Near Toilets* - ✅ _Pros:_ Helps prevent the spread of germs. - ❌ _Cons:_ Needs water supply and soap refills. - *Idea 3: Organizing Monthly Clean-Up Days and Hygiene Awareness Campaigns* - ✅ _Pros:_ Encourages students to value cleanliness. - ❌ _Cons:_ Requires student participation and enforcement. --- *Stage 4: Development of Selected Idea* *Selected Solution: Installing Handwashing Stations Near Toilets* *Justification:* Many students *cannot wash their hands after using the toilet*, increasing the risk of infections. Installing handwashing stations ensures *better hygiene and reduces disease spread* among students. *Materials & Tools Used* - Low-cost portable handwashing units - Soap dispensers and paper towels - Posters with hygiene education messages - Water supply buckets (for schools with no running water) *Implementation Process* 1. *Conduct surveys* to identify student hygiene concerns. 2. *Set up handwashing stations near toilets* using basic water storage units. 3. *Train students on hygiene practices* using posters and health lessons. 4. *Monitor improvements* in student health and cleanliness habits. --- *Stage 5: Presentation of Results* *Findings from Student Feedback* - *74%* of students said they never washed hands after using the toilet before. - *60%* reported feeling sick due to poor hygiene conditions at school. - *88%* said access to handwashing stations improved their habits. *Student Responses* > "I feel safer using the school toilet now because I can wash my hands." > "This small change made a big difference—I get sick less often!" > "I wish we had better soap and more water sources." *Observed Impact* Installing *handwashing stations improved hygiene* and reduced the spread of illnesses, leading to fewer student absences and complaints about toilet cleanliness. --- *Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations* *Evaluation of Project Success* The project successfully improved school hygiene *without requiring expensive infrastructure changes*. Students *felt more comfortable using the bathrooms*, leading to better health and concentration in lessons. *Challenges Faced* - Some students *forgot to wash their hands* regularly. - Soap refills *ran out quickly*, requiring frequent replacements. - Limited access to *water supply* in some areas of the school. *Solutions Implemented* - Created *reminder posters* near toilets to encourage handwashing. - Used *local suppliers* to provide cheaper soap refills. - Set up *water collection buckets* for schools with no running taps. *Recommendations for Future Improvement* - Schools should *establish permanent hygiene awareness programs*. - More investment in *affordable and durable sanitation solutions*. - *Government and community partnerships* to improve school toilets and water supply. --- *Impact of the Project* This initiative *boosted student hygiene, reduced infections, and improved learning conditions*. It showed that *small, low-cost interventions can make a big difference* in school sanitation. --- *Sustainability & Scalability* This project can be expanded to: - *Other schools with hygiene challenges* using low-cost solutions. - *Community partnerships* for access to better sanitation supplies. - *Long-term hygiene education campaigns* for students and parents. --- *Conclusion* Poor sanitation is a *major issue affecting student health, learning and attendance*. By introducing *simple handwashing stations and hygiene awarene schools can *prevent diseases and improve student well-being*, allowing for better focus and performance in class.