Education is one of the most powerful tools to lift people out of poverty. Parents are rightfully proud to see their children succeed in school and we share in their joy as they share how infrastructure improvements are helping their kids to be more enthusiastic about learning and staying in school!
“Students want to attend school and rush every day to meet their classmates thanks to the comfort and attractiveness of the classrooms which gives them a taste for learning and [is] producing excellent results compared to before.”
Babacar Sow, Parent from Mbadhiou Peulh
We are excited to share with you the stories of three schools that recently received significant infrastructure improvements: Mbadhiou Peulh and Belel Kelle Primary Schools and the Keur Soce Franco-Arab Middle School.
Classroom Construction and Renovation: Mbadhiou Peulh Primary School
Many of the students here were learning in temporary classrooms constructed each year by parents and teachers because infrastructure just couldn't keep up with growth in enrollment.
“As parents, we encountered a lot of difficulty at the start of the year in making temporary shelters so that the children could learn and attend the school,” said Moussa Sow, Parent from Mbadhiou Peulh.
Students standing outside a temporary classroom, constructed by their parents and teachers, at Mbadhiou Peulh Primary School.
The municipal government was aware of the need and started construction on two new classrooms, but unfortunately, they didn’t have the means to upgrade the existing classroom buildings. They asked Andando to partner with them and we were thrilled to be able to say YES!
The leaking roof of the existing classroom.
Construction workers in the process of removing and replacing the roof of the Mbadhiou Peulh Primary School.
The existing classrooms had a leaky roof and cracked walls, “The roof was so low and when a strong wind crossed the classroom, it lifted the sheet metal of the classrooms. We felt a lot of heat with the penetration of the wind, the rainwater poured inside the rooms in the middle of class,“ said Moussa Sow.
After only a few short months the classroom construction and renovations were complete, allowing classes to start on-time for the first time ever, with enough space for all students to study in safe and secure classrooms.
Before: A teacher instructing his students in a hot dusty temporary classroom.
After: The same teacher looking at the newly renovated classroom that has replaced it.
Since these classrooms opened last year, parents and teachers alike have noted that the improved learning environment is having a profound impact on students’ academic performance. Moussa Sow, whose own niece and nephews attend the school, compared test scores and found a notable improvement.
“At school, we notice a change in behavior among students who have a passion for learning and achieving good results…I did an analysis of the situation to better understand that there has been a clear improvement in the level of students thanks to the new building”
Toilets for Three Schools: Belel Kelle, Mbadhiou Peulh, and Franco-Arab Keur Soce
Aside from having a comfortable and inspiring classroom to learn in, access to water and sanitation facilities has a huge impact on student success. In schools where there are no functional bathroom facilities, students have to leave the school grounds (often returning home or visiting surrounding houses) throughout the day which is a huge disruption in their learning.
The restrooms at Belel Kelle sustained severe damage during the rainy season when heavy winds and rain tore the roof off rendering them unusable.
The restrooms at Mbadhiou Peuhl showing decades of wear from the harsh sun, wind and rain.
We believe that all students should have what they need to pursue their education. Which is why we are thrilled to meet all their needs, and toilets are a surprisingly important aspect that can keep kids from attending school, especially girls.
Students outside of their classroom at Belel Kelle school.
The need for bathrooms at Belel Kelle Primary School was especially urgent because the community recently saw a significant increase in student enrollment after the installation of a women’s garden. Mothers and children, who previously had to partake in seasonal migrations due to lack of resources in the village, can now stay home year round and this mean kids can stay in school! Mbadhiou Peulh Primary School needed bathrooms to compliment their classroom construction.
Under Construction: Masonry workers are building the walls of the restrooms, which are fortified with rebar.
Outside view of the bathrooms: two toilets for girls, and two toilets for boys. Concrete walls and floors with metal roof.
Community and school leaders standing outside the newly renovated bathrooms at Belle Kelle. In addition to replacing the roof and updating the toilets, a fresh coat of paint will protect the facility from the harsh environment.
Over at the Franco- Arab Middle School in Keur Soce, the 206 students enrolled there faced a similar situation with no functional bathrooms on campus . Thanks to our friends at Altrusa International of Albany, Altrusa International of Pendleton, and Altrusa International Foundation though, students are now enjoying brand new accessible bathrooms with clean running water and dedicated stalls for girls and boys. This school is a vital part of the education system in the region, preparing students to enter the newly constructed Keur Soce High School.
Students standing in front of the new and functioning bathrooms at Franco-Arab Middle School – the only thing lacking is paint.
The completed bathrooms at Franco-Arab Middle School, complete with a fresh, cheerful final coat of paint.
Lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities is a huge barrier to education, especially for girls. In fact, 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. This is hugely detrimental to their education and increases the chance that they will drop out of school prematurely, effectively ending their chance to graduate and continue on to higher levels of education.
Here is what Diarra Mbene, a student at the school, had to say about the project:
“We thank Andando for having built these toilets. When we wanted to address our needs, we used to go to the neighborhood to use their toilets. And sometimes we did that during class hours, which caused us to miss part of the courses.”
All told, these three projects benefit over 500 students each year, and with increasing enrollment that number will continue to rise! In addition to the direct benefits of an improved learning environment, these investments send a very clear message to the students, their families, and local leadership that we are with them for the long-haul. Our partner communities know the value of education and take great pride in providing opportunities for their children’s future. We are proud to support them and are so excited to see what amazing things these students will accomplish in their villages and beyond.