Project completion: Gender-friendly Schools, Nepal

The successful project enables particularly girls to have better educational opportunities

After 3 years of various activities, we are happy to announce that the help alliance project for gender-friendly schools in Solukhumbu District, Nepal is successfully completed.

The aim of this particular project was not only to rebuild schools, but also to develop safe learning structures with a healthy and gender-friendly academic environment to improve the standard of education for the rural children. This also included the access to clean drinking water, adequate sanitation facilities and provision of recreational and learning materials

Especially girls did not have their own toilets, which means that many of them did not dare to go to school during their menstruation. The negative effect was that they miss several weeks of lessons every year and fall behind their male classmates. The project achieved to construct clean, safe, and separate toilets with access to water and sanitary pads. These upgraded facilities contribute to a gender equitable learning environment.

Furthermore, knowledge and awareness of rural children, especially girls, have improved on general sanitation and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) through series of trainings and orientations. The project also established RED rooms in two schools where girls during their menstruation have a safe and private space where they can discuss health issues without any fear of societal taboos or need to drop out of the school.

Finally, the project has achieved more than the originally anticipated. Due to ownership of the local government, school management and stakeholders, the project is in safe side for sustainability. We wish the children and all the people in Solukhumbu District all the best for their future!