More than just a washroom – WSUP’s holistic approach to school sanitation

This transformation transcends improved hygiene; it is a story of economic potential unleashed. WSUP Ghana, a branch of the global non-profit organization, is spearheading a revolution in school sanitation that promises to drive significant economic and social returns across low-income communities in Ghana.

“Our work goes beyond simply installing toilets,” explains Frank Kettey, Country Manager for WSUP Ghana. “We are laying the groundwork for improved education outcomes, better public health, and ultimately, long-term economic growth in low-income areas.” Already, WSUP Ghana has reached 1,108,023 people with improved sanitation and over 12,565,315 people with hygiene education.

The challenges facing Ghana’s school sanitation infrastructure are substantial. Despite government efforts that have resulted in over 70 percent of schools now having access to toilets, a significant gap remains, particularly in urban areas where population growth often outpaces infrastructure development. This gap represents both a public health concern and an economic opportunity.

“Many basic schools still face challenges, such as poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene,” Mr. Kettey notes. “More robust systems are needed for accurate and timely data collection on the conditions and use of school WASH facilities.

Schools with improved WASH facilities also need help financing operations and maintenance to ensure that conditions of WASH facilities provided to schools do not deteriorate in a short time,” he adds.

WSUP Ghana’s approach to addressing these challenges is multifaceted, combining infrastructure development with innovative financing models and community engagement. The organization designs and implements water closet toilet facilities ranging from 10 to 20 seats, based on school population and aligned with national standards. But their work doesn’t stop at construction.

“We work directly with municipalities to improve WASH in schools. By engaging different departments within a partner municipality, we work with the education offices, particularly the municipal School Health Education Programme (SHEP) unit, Planning, and Environmental health departments, to obtain information on schools prioritised for WASH improvement,” Mr. Kettey explains.

This collaborative approach ensures alignment with local priorities and enhances project sustainability, a crucial factor in the long-term success of such initiatives. WSUP’s investment strategy includes several innovative elements that set it apart from traditional infrastructure projects.

One such innovation is the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, which help to reduce operational costs for schools. Basic add-ons, like rainwater harvesting systems, have great results on monies saved by schools in terms of energy costs for the water pumps, especially during rainy seasons, helping the schools prioritise spending on other facility operations and maintenance costs.

Another key aspect of WSUP’s approach is its focus on inclusivity and gender equality. The organization provides separate facilities for girls, including menstrual hygiene management rooms and shower rooms, and ensures that designs are inclusive for differently-abled students.

This attention to detail has far-reaching implications for school attendance and, by extension, future workforce development.

“Data from the schools WSUP has supported indicate that our WASH in schools programme has contributed to increasing enrolment in schools,” Mr. Kettey noted, resulting in a significant reduction in absenteeism among girls and a higher retention rate among girls in schools throughout the stages.”

This increased retention rate could significantly affect the nation’s future workforce, potentially leading to a more skilled and productive labour market. Studies have consistently shown that increased education rates correlate strongly with economic growth and development, particularly among girls.

WSUP’s work extends beyond the school grounds, recognising that sustainable change requires community-wide engagement. One challenge faced in WASH in school programming and by schools is community members’ use of school toilet facilities, given the low access to household toilets in communities.

To address this, WSUP integrates household toilet promotional campaigns into their school programming, developing community-level supply chains for household toilets.

The economic impact of WSUP’s interventions is becoming increasingly apparent. Schools report cost savings from rainwater harvesting systems, particularly in energy expenditures for water pumps. These savings allow schools to reallocate funds to other critical areas, potentially improving overall educational outcomes.

Moreover, the increased school enrollment and attendance rates, especially among girls, suggest a positive long-term economic impact. Higher education rates are typically correlated with increased productivity and economic growth, positioning WSUP’s work as a strategic investment in human capital development.

However, challenges remain. Mr. Kettey identifies financing for operations and maintenance as a key risk factor. “While closing the gap in schools needing WASH infrastructure, ensuring that those with good facilities can use them sustainably is critical,” he states.

To mitigate this risk, WSUP is exploring sustainable financing models and improving data management systems to track facility conditions and maintenance needs, more effectively.

Looking ahead, WSUP Ghana’s strategy focuses on scaling its impact and addressing systemic challenges. Key initiatives include advocating for WASH facilities in all new school infrastructure, developing more robust data collection and management systems, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms for operations and maintenance.

“Going forward, we will continue to support the mandate of municipalities and cities to provide direct improvement in WASH in schools. We will continue to advocate with partner municipalities to ensure new school infrastructure is accompanied by the need for WASH facilities while addressing the key issues of operations and maintenance, particularly financing and data management,” the Country Manager affirmed.

In the Ashanti region, WSUP has already begun engaging with the regional education office and selected municipalities to develop effective data collection, storage, and processing mechanisms for WASH in school facilities.

“We believe this will provide in a timely manner the status of WASH facilities in schools, data on their operations and maintenance for schools, and municipalities to ensure key issues are addressed before facilities deteriorate,” Mr. Kettey explains.

The market implications of WSUP’s work extend far beyond the immediate benefits to schools and communities. By improving school attendance and health outcomes, these initiatives could contribute to a more productive workforce, potentially boosting Ghana’s economic competitiveness in the long term.

Furthermore, the focus on data-driven decision-making and sustainable financing models could create opportunities for long term use of the facilities by the schools ensuring that future investments go to other schools needing support or support other development priorties. private sector involvement in public infrastructure projects, opening new markets in the WASH sector.

As urban populations in developing countries continue to grow, WSUP’s model in Ghana could provide valuable insights for addressing sanitation challenges globally. With the global sanitation crisis affecting 4.2 billion people, according to recent UN data, the potential market for similar interventions is substantial.

Since its inception in 2005, WSUP has helped over 40 million people access improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services across seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, demonstrating the scalability of their approach.

The ripple effects of improved sanitation extend into various sectors of the economy. Better health outcomes can lead to reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity. Moreover, the development of local supply chains for sanitation products and services can stimulate small business growth and job creation.

As Janet and her classmates in Akyeremade demonstrate, the impact of improved sanitation facilities in schools goes far beyond hygiene. It’s about creating an environment where children can focus on learning, where girls are empowered to stay in school, and where communities can build a foundation for sustainable economic growth.

While the full economic impact of WSUP Ghana’s school sanitation initiatives continues to be recorded, early indicators suggest a promising model for addressing urban sanitation challenges while potentially driving long-term economic growth.

As the organization continues to refine its approach and scale its operations, municipalities and policymakers alike will be watching closely for lessons that could be applied to other rapidly urbanizing markets.

In a world where access to basic sanitation is still a luxury for billions, WSUP Ghana’s work serves as a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable development.

It’s concrete evidence of the power of innovative thinking and collaborative action in solving complex societal challenges. As Mr. Kettey puts it, “Our work is not just about building toilets. It is about building futures.”

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