In many government schools across India, it’s not the lack of books or teachers that holds students back—it’s the absence of basic facilities like clean toilets, safe drinking water, and private spaces for hygiene. For adolescent girls especially, the lack of WASH- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene- infrastructure often leads to missed school days and long-term setbacks in education and self-worth.
In this compelling article, Ms. Poonam Sewak, Vice President – Programs & Partnerships at Safe Water Network, shares how their School WASH Program is transforming this reality across 80 schools in Haryana and Telangana. Supported by CSR donors and implemented in close partnership with school staff and students, the initiative goes beyond infrastructure. It instills hygiene habits, supports menstrual health, empowers student leadership, and improves the overall well-being of more than 50,000 children—creating lasting change that extends from classrooms to communities.
With over 25 years of experience in public policy, healthcare, research, and social innovation, Ms. Sewak has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s safe water landscape. Her article offers an inspiring look at the people and partnerships driving this mission forward—read on to discover how dignity, health, and hope are flowing back into schools, one drop at a time.
Drops of Change: A Story of Transformation, Dignity and Hope through WASH in Government Schools
The lack of WASH – Water Sanitation and Hygiene facilities, safe drinking water, clean, functional toilets that are segregated by gender, and hand wash hygiene poses a significant challenge to the health, education,and dignity of schoolchildren and especially affects girls’ health and school attendance, particularly after puberty leading to long-term consequences on gender equality and empowerment.
According to recent reports, only 47% of government schools have access to safe drinking water, and 53% lack clean, individual toilets.
Safe Water Network, an NGO, has taken this challenge head-on with its School WASH Program. Working with the Principal, teachers, and students and supported by donor CSR funds, it is transforming the lives of over 50,000 students across 80 schools in Haryana and Telangana.
A Safe Haven for Girls
"Earlier, I would often miss school during my period," admits 13-year-old Veena, a student at a government school in Hyderabad. “But now, with these new toilets, everything is so different. We have running water in the toilets,and even a sanitary pad vending machine! I can finally come to school on all days and focus on my studies."
Veena’s story is not unique. Across India, girls face immense challenges due to inadequate sanitation facilities in schools. Thanks to the WASH program, girls now have safe, private spaces, leading to improved attendance and overall well-being.
More Than Toilets: Cultivating Hygiene Habits
The SWN's WASH program is not just about constructing toilets; it’s a holistic approach to instilling hygiene and sanitation habits among schoolchildren. Through the five key components of the program, children are learning to prioritize their health and well-being. The elements are:
- Hand Wash Hygiene Stations: Encouraging regular handwashing
- Safe Drinking Water: Installing decentralized water treatment plants
- Clean Functional Toilets: Providing separate and clean toilet facilities for boys and girls
- Menstrual Hygiene Management: Educating girls on menstrual health
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Promoting sustainability
“Personal and community hygiene among children is the cornerstone of their overall health," says Poonam Sewak, Vice President - Programs & Partnerships at SWN. “With our School WASH Program, we’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building healthier futures. A child practicing hygiene influences at least four others in their family – this is the true trickle-down effect."
The WASH Guardians
Behind the program's success are the dedicated WASH Champions—cleaners like Sunita, who maintain clean, functional toilet facilities. "I take pride in keeping the toilets clean and teaching the students to flush the toilets after use and wash hands” or Pankaj who trains the school peon to operate and maintain the water treatment plant and is committed to closing the complaints received on Customer Relations Management App within two working days or Principal Sridhar Rao who made the Head Girl and Head Boy responsible to report on WASH facility performance, cleanliness and register complaints and teachers to educate on WASH practices and supervise WASH services.
Empowering Through Education
Safe Water Network’s commitment to holistic well-being extends beyond infrastructure. Through engaging skits and educational activities, students learn the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation practices. The students themselves become agents of change, advocating cleaning campaigns, hygiene education, and promoting good hygiene practicesfor healthier behaviors in their homes and communities. The students and school celebrate World Water Day, Global Hand Washing Day, and World Toilet Day to reinforce their pledge to sustain wash services for their good health and school environment.
A Model for Change
While the government or donor funds the capital infrastructure expenditures and operations and maintenance for a year they expect the school to take over the upkeep, operational and maintenance costs, and long-term sustainability. However, the government school usually lacks the necessary funds and expertise, leading to a vicious perpetual cycle of defunct and disrepair systems, unclean toilets and need for reinvestment.
Maintain the momentum
With key support from committed donors and a holistic vision, Safe Water Network’s WASH Program is more than just infrastructure development; it's an investment in the future. The program advocates the inclusion of WASH in school programs in education sector policies and funding and shares knowledge on the importance of WASH in Schools with other corporations, foundations, and philanthropists. By empowering children with access to clean water and proper hygiene, Safe Water Network is creating lasting change, one school at a time.
For organizations, communities, and policymakers looking to make a tangible impact, Safe Water Network’s WASH program offers a proven, reliable school WASH services model to ensure every child has access to clean water and sanitation.
