At the Franco-Arab school there are 226 students in attendance and no restroom facilities on-site. Students either go outside to relieve themselves, walk home to use the restroom, or do not attend school altogether (this is especially the case for young girls). But thanks to a grant from Altrusa International, Altrusa Pendleton, Altrusa Albany, and our generous donors the students at the Franco-Arab School are getting brand new latrines.
Access to sanitary and functional toilets ensure students stay in school, and reduce illness.
When we think of investing in education we may not think of latrines, but they are a vital piece of the puzzle. Many rural communities in Senegal are growing faster than their education infrastructure can handle and as a result schools lack the classrooms, resources, and yes latrines (!) necessary for students to complete their education.
Without latrines students do not have a private, sanitary option for managing basic bodily functions. This negatively impacts their learning environment as students have to leave the school grounds to use the restroom. Lack of latrines is especially damaging for female students, UNESCO estimates that 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle due to lack of facilities or sanitary products.
UNESCO estimates that 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle due to lack of facilities or sanitary products.
The Franco-Arab Middle School is an important asset to the community as it funnels students into the newly constructed Keur Soce High School. Students who complete their middle and high school careers are better equipped to find jobs that pay higher wages and make a brighter future for themselves.
Construction is underway! A big thank you to Altrusa International of Albany Oregon, Altrusa International of Pendleton, Oregon Inc., Altrusa International Foundation, Inc., and Andando supporters for making this possible.
Last year our 17 partner schools served 5,969 students. Teachers and administrators in our partner schools report an increase in student registrations, attendance, and test scores. Learn more about our education initiatives at https://www.andando.org/education