Country: Eastern DRC
Sector: Education, WASH
Background:
The client aimed to assess the baseline status and final outcomes of a rural WASH intervention in 20 under-resourced primary schools.
The program intended to improve hygiene, water access, and sanitation facilities to reduce absenteeism and water-borne disease among schoolchildren.
Approach:
Research360 Africa designed and executed a baseline and endline study combining observational checklists, hygiene behavior surveys, and self-assessment tools for students. We also held key informant interviews with headteachers and maintenance staff to understand facility upkeep and water source reliability.
Findings:
At baseline, 60% of schools lacked functional water sources, and latrine-to-pupil ratios averaged 1:110. Many pupils reported missing class due to diarrheal illness. By endline, water access had improved in 18 of the 20 schools, and latrine ratios were brought down to 1:48. Hygiene knowledge among pupils improved markedly.
Impact:
The findings supported a national-level grant proposal to scale similar WASH infrastructure in hard-to-reach communities. The study also highlighted best practices in maintenance and community ownership that were later built into future project designs.
