The Three-Star Approach to WASH in Schools Bridging policy and implementation

Dr Habib Benzian Senior Adviser | Fit for School Programme

Epidemiology & Health Promotion | New York University 26.10.2015 | UNC Water & Health | Chapel Hill

Why is WASH in Schools coverage still not universal?

Why is reaching scale so difficult?

…a few basic thoughts and considerations that led to the development of the 3 Star Approach… !

Parachuting development approachHigh investments in a few schools

Too expensive to scale-upNot enough government ownership

Lack of continued maintenanceNeed for sustainability

WA

SH

The Iceberg Effect

Functioning WASH in Schools

Invisible, but essential support processes

Bottleneck Analysis

General observations/trends: Supportive policy environment - mostly in place Infrastructure & supplies - challenging Maintenance & use - generally weakest area

Consequences: Existing WASH infrastructure not functional No hygiene improvements No sustained behaviour change

There are no shortcuts!

Three Stars innovating WASH in Schools worldwide

The Three Star Approach for WASH in Schools

Simple • Scalable • Sustainable

FIELD GUIDE:

Shifting from…• Infrastructure focus

• Education focus on individual HW

• High investments

• Facilities meeting national standards

• Complex technology

• Limited reach

…towards:• Hygiene focus

• Skills-based learning as a group

• Low-cost solutions

• Stepwise process towards reach them

• Simple models

• Realistic scale-up

Facilities

Facilities

Facilities

Facilities

Facilities

Non-negotiables to reach 1 star:• Group Handwashing Facility

• Daily group activity

• Daily supervised cleaning of facilities

• Soap and supplies available

• Children bring drinking water from home

Possible 2-Star features:• Addition of MHM

• Upgrading of sanitation facilities

• Low-cost point-of-use water treatment (drinking water)

• Measures to promote individual HW after toilet use

• All previous features

Possible 3-Star features:

• Further infrastructure upgrades (national standards)

• All features of the previous levels

Standards for WASH in Schools

Stepwise improvements

Maximum standards

Minimum requirements

National standards ideally support

stepwise improvements

Focus on operation & maintenance of existing facilities strengthens school management/governanceRealistic/attainable minimum standards encourage actionAccreditation and benchmarking of schools to ensure qualityUse of systemic incentives for incremental improvements

3 Star Approach provides innovative opportunities

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Thank you!