The sanitation project in Bilaa, Ethiopia, launched in 2021, is on the home stretch and will be successfully completed by the end of 2023. After interim difficulties due to the tense security situation in the project area, implementation has progressed in seven-league boots in recent months.
The four toilet blocks being built at two schools are nearly complete and will soon be handed over to the schools. In the village itself, an additional 20 simple hand-washing facilities are being installed.
The project was accompanied by numerous workshops: 300 people in Bilaa were trained in soap making. 176 teachers took part in training on WASH topics so that they can pass on their knowledge to the students in the future.
In the meantime, more than 4,000 students have participated in such WASH workshops (see photo) and learned important hygiene practices.
Nearly 1000 girls and women have also participated in workshops on menstrual hygiene. And in one of the final steps, 600 girls and women will learn how to make reusable menstrual pads themselves.