Access to proper sanitation and hygiene facilities is a fundamental human right and a critical factor in ensuring health, dignity, and well-being, especially for young girls in rural areas. Temenos India recognized the dire need for such facilities in the Government Higher Secondary School of Koratti Village, Tirupattur, India. Their WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiative aimed at constructing a state-of-the-art restroom for girls, significantly improving their school attendance and overall educational experience.
About Temenos
Temenos is a global provider of banking software, trusted by over 3,000 firms, including 41 of the top 50 global banks. The company's innovative cloud-native, API-first products facilitate digital banking, core banking, and wealth management, enabling banks to deliver seamless customer experiences and achieve industry-leading performance. Their solutions help clients create growth opportunities, drive operational efficiencies, and maintain competitive cost-to-income ratios.
Project Details
Objectives: The primary objective of the Koratti WASH project was to construct a hygienic, safe, and accessible restroom facility for girls in a rural school in India. The project also aimed to:
- Improve sanitation and hygiene standards in the school.
- Increase school attendance and reduce dropout rates among female students.
- Promote health and well-being by providing proper sanitation facilities.
Main Elements: The WASH project at Koratti Higher Secondary School included the following amenities:
- Six Indian-style and one Western-style private closets
- One dedicated bathroom with a shower
- A disability-friendly facility with a ramp, guided hand railings, and a Western-style closet
- Seven private urinals with hand faucets
- Four washbasins with mirrors
- Sanitary Napkin Dispenser and Incinerator
- A 1,000-liter septic tank and two 500-liter Sintex tanks
- Non-slip tiles and safety paver tiles for easy accessibility during rains
- Built around an aesthetic ship theme to make the facility appealing
Implementation Strategy: The project followed a comprehensive approach:
1. Needs Assessment: Surveys and consultations with local authorities and school management identified the critical need for hygienic and accessible restroom facilities for girls.
2. Planning and Designing: The restroom was innovatively designed to ensure hygiene, safety, and accessibility, incorporating both cultural preferences and modern features.
3. Resource Allocation: Efficient allocation of resources ensured timely procurement of materials and hiring of skilled labor.
4. Sustainability: A maintenance plan was developed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the facilities.
Innovations: The ship-themed restroom with exclusive cultural paintings reflects Temenos's commitment to both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The incorporation of low-flow faucets, energy-saving features, and water conservation systems further minimized the environmental impact. The project also included hygiene kits, sanitary napkins, and proper waste disposal mechanisms to maintain a clean environment.
Impact: The project had a substantial impact on the community, particularly on the educational outcomes of female students:
- Improved hygiene standards and effective menstrual hygiene management.
- Increased attendance and reduced absenteeism among girls. The 12th-grade pass percentage rose to 93.75%, with girls' pass percentage at 95.91%.
- Enhanced dignity and motivation among girl students, fostering academic excellence.
- Raised awareness about hygiene and sanitation, setting a precedent for other villages.
Community Engagement
Community engagement was crucial for the project's success. Temenos involved local stakeholders in the initial conceptualization stage to understand their needs and preferences. Inclusive design features, such as disability-friendly facilities and culturally appropriate restroom styles, ensured broad acceptance and usability. Regular feedback sessions were conducted to align the project with community expectations.
Challenges and Solutions
The project faced a myriad of challenges, ranging from ensuring reliable water supply and physical accessibility to addressing safety concerns, theft prevention, and securing necessary approvals. Ensuring a reliable water supply was addressed by installing two 500-liter Sintex tanks. To enhance physical accessibility, a disability-friendly bathroom with a ramp and guided railings was incorporated. Proper waste management was ensured with the installation of a 1,000-liter septic tank. Safety concerns during rainy weather were mitigated by using non-slip paver tiles and skid-proof flooring. To prevent theft during construction, increased security measures, including metal gates and secure storage, were implemented. Finally, securing the necessary approvals from the Chief Education Officer involved presenting a comprehensive project plan and incorporating feedback.
Learnings and Key Takeaways
Learnings and key takeaways from the project highlight the importance of community engagement for meeting local needs and ensuring project acceptance. The necessity of inclusive design becomes evident, as facilities must accommodate all users, including those with disabilities. Cultural sensitivity is also crucial, with design elements needing to respect and incorporate cultural preferences. Integrating educational components, such as hygiene education and empowerment messages, enhances the impact of infrastructure projects. Lastly, sustainability is underscored as essential, emphasizing the need for a reliable water supply and effective waste management for long-term success.
The Koratti WASH project by Temenos demonstrates the profound impact that well-planned and executed sanitation facilities can have on a community. By addressing fundamental needs, the project improved health, attendance, and academic performance, particularly for girls. This initiative not only serves as a model for similar projects but also underscores the importance of infrastructure in achieving educational and social progress.
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